Photo by Railway Gazette
UGL unveiled the Evolution Series locomotive, specifically the C44ESACi model, to haul Australian intermodal trains. This means UGL is introducing a new, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly locomotive, developed in partnership with Wabtec, to handle long-haul freight transport across Australia, particularly for Pacific National’s intermodal routes. The locomotives are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable freight transport system.
UGL unveiled the C44ESACi Evolution Series Locomotive
- Evolution Series: This is a line of diesel-electric locomotives developed by GE Transportation (now Wabtec). UGL is building a version of this locomotive tailored for Australian conditions.
- Intermodal Trains: These are trains that carry containers, which can be easily transferred between different modes of transport (e.g., ship, truck, train).
- UGL’s Role: UGL is the sole manufacturer of freight locomotives in Australia and will be delivering these new locomotives to Pacific National.
- Fuel Efficiency and Emissions: The Evolution Series locomotives are designed to be more fuel-efficient than previous models and meet US EPA Tier 3 emissions standards. They are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 300 tonnes per year per locomotive.
- Pacific National’s Operations: Pacific National will be using these locomotives on key intermodal routes, including those connecting Western Australia to the east coast and along the eastern seaboard.
- Sustainability: The introduction of these locomotives is part of a broader effort to make freight transport more sustainable in Australia, with a focus on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
Australia