Wabtec has announced an agreement to transform Fortescue’s locomotive fleet to meet the performance requirements of the resource company while delivering operational and environmental efficiencies.

“While we have completed more than 1,000 modernisations for customers globally, it’s a first for Australia and demonstrates Fortescue’s commitment to drive more sustainable rail operations,” said Wendy McMillan, senior regional vice president, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

The AC44C6M locomotives will be rebuilt at Wabtec’s Fort Worth facility in the United States, before making the journey to Western Australia over the next two years for deployment at Fortescue’s mining operations.

“This newly modernised fleet will enable substantial long-term capital and operating costs savings, provide the latest traction and control technology, and enable future upgrades to alternative energy sources such as battery electric in support of Fortescue’s industry-leading target to be carbon neutral by 2030,” said Fortescue General Manager Hedland Operations, Mark Komene.

Source: Wabtec