KiwiRail has signed a long-term framework agreement with Stadler, with a first call off for 57 diesel mainline locomotives.
The new locomotives will be used for freight and passenger rail operation, mainly on New Zealand’s South Island.
This is the first contract for Stadler in New Zealand and is worth 228 million euros (264.21m USD).
Stadler will supply KiwiRail with its narrow-gauge Co-Co monocoque locomotives. These will be customised to KiwiRail’s specific requirements.
Compliant with the Stage V European emission standard, the two-cab, narrow body locomotives will be equipped with a diesel engine providing an installed diesel power of 3000 kW.
“The 57 locomotives will replace our South Island fleet, which has an average age of 47 years. Stadler’s high, more powerful locomotives will allow us to improve service reliability to get more South Island freight off New Zealand’s roads and onto rail. The low emission locomotives are also an important step in KiwiRail’s plan to be emission neutral by 2050.
“It’s a pleasure to work with Stadler. Their professional interactions, quality of engagement and state of the art designs ensure we are partnering with a company that will deliver an outstanding outcome for KiwiRail and New Zealand, and enable our South Island fleet to take advantage of technology advancements well into the future.
“I’m already looking forward to seeing the first new locomotives heading down our Kaikoura coast in 2024.”
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