Celebration of 50th Class 43

[John Ashworth]

CLASS 43 LOCO CELEBRATION

On July 10, 2012 Railways Africa

On 27 June, Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) and GE South African Technologies (Gesat) introduced the 50th locomotive produced at TRE’s Koedoespoort plant in Pretoria. The completion of the locomotive was celebrated in Koedoespoort at an historical event attended by TRE chief executive Richard Vallihu, GE chief executive Lorenzo Simonelli and Mineworkers Investment Company chief executive Mary Bomela, together with management and employees of the companies.

The event also marked the completion of more than 50% of the first contract involving the supply of 100 locomotives to Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). These locomotives will significantly improve TFR’s hauling capability, at the same time reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “By using three new locomotives to replace four older models on coal and general freight traffic, these units will save 600,000 litres of fuel a year,” Vallihu explains.

Part of the agreement was that General Electric (GE) would assemble the first 10 class 43 locomotives at its plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA with the balance of 90 handled at TRE Koedoespoort. The locally manufactured class 43 locos maximise the use of local material. This forms part of TRE’s strategy to develop local capabilities and qualifies the product as being Proudly South African.

The C30ACi is the first AC diesel electric locomotive to be introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa and the first to meet UIC2 emissions standards. These locomotives, which are used to haul freight and coal, will effectively decrease life-cycle costs in the fleet. A substantial portion of the manufacturing, including assembling, testing and commissioning is performed by TRE.

After the intensive training of employees abroad and locally, Koedoespoort Bay 1 was identified as the main line assembly where the bulk of all operations for the class 43 production is taking place. At the beginning of 2012, the contract was increased by a further 43 locomotives, bringing the total order to 143.

ABOUT THE NEW CLASS 43

Railways Africa
On July 10, 2012

• GE’s model C30ACi Locomotive is a product of “ecomagination”. Ecomagination is a GE-wide initiative to help meet customer demand for more energy-efficient products.
• These locomotives enable customers to haul the same amount of freight with fewer locomotives thereby reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

GE’s Model C30ACi Locomotive Technology Advantage:

• GE’s C30ACi will be the first locomotive in the South African region to meet stringent UIC2 emissions standards.
• The addition of these new locomotives, to be used to haul coal as well as general freight, will decrease life-cycle costs, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
• A South African customer using GE’s C30ACi can deploy three units to haul a load that would require four older locomotives, reducing annual diesel fuel consumption by 600,000 litres under typical operating conditions. A reduction in emissions can be achieved of some 1,500 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to eliminating the emissions from 310 cars on South African roads.
• GE’s C30ACi is first AC diesel-electric locomotive to be introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Its engine delivers 3,300 gross horse power (GHP) using an electronic fuel injection system that automatically supplies the exact amount of fuel needed for optimal engine efficiency.
• These locomotives also feature GE’s unique AC propulsion technology and dynamic braking.