KiwiRail expands loco order with Stadler and adds shunts
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
KiwiRail, New Zealand's state-owned railway operator, has recently taken a bold step toward sustainable transport and modernization. Through two new contracts with Stadler, the company will acquire nine new mainline locomotives and 24 hybrid battery-diesel yard shunt locomotives. This order follows a previous order for 57 vehicles in 2021 for the South Island rail network, and this new batch is intended for operation on the North Island.
The new DM class locomotives will be equipped with European Train Control System (ETCS) technology, meeting the latest safety and operational standards. This technology will also be applied to the last 10 locomotives from the 2021 order, ensuring seamless integration into the North Island's rail network, including the Auckland metro area.
Adele Wilson, KiwiRail's Chief Customer and Growth Officer, emphasized that the introduction of the new locomotives will reduce maintenance time at depots, allowing them to spend more time on the tracks providing reliable service to customers. This will play a key role in increasing operational efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.
Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of the 24 hybrid battery-diesel shunt locomotives. These locomotives, which can be partially battery-powered, are a core component of KiwiRail's decarbonization plan, which aims for a net-zero emission target by 2050. They are designed for zero-emission operation and can be driven from outside the vehicle, which is expected to enhance safety at branch depots.
The DM class locomotives also focus on sustainability and are designed to be used with HVO biofuel, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 80%. These efforts are part of KiwiRail's broader goal of providing low-emission transport options for both passenger and freight services.
This investment by KiwiRail totals 1.7 billion New Zealand dollars (approximately 1 billion U.S. dollars), reflecting a firm commitment to improving the country's rail infrastructure and moving toward a sustainable future. It remains to be seen whether New Zealand can establish itself as a global leader in the rail transport sector.
February 27, 2024
