Stadler and KiwiRail have signed two additional locomotive contracts.
The first contract involves the delivery of nine mainline locomotives equipped with a European Train Control System (ETCS) for seamless operation on the North Island. The second includes the supply of 24 innovative hybrid battery-diesel yard shunt locomotives, along with spare parts, specialized tools, and technical support services.
Stadler is currently manufacturing the 57 DM class narrow gauge locomotives, ordered by KiwiRail in 2021, to be used primarily for mainline services on the South Island rail network. The new agreement adds nine DM class locomotives that will be equipped with ETCS technology for deployment on the North Island rail network.
Additionally, the last 10 Class DM locomotives from the first order in 2021, will also be fitted with ETCS bringing the total number of ETCS fitted DM class locomotives in the North Island to 19. ETCS will enable the DM class locomotive to safely and seamlessly operate in the Auckland Metro area that is fitted with ETCS Level 1 trackside signalling system.
Officials said the initiative also future proofs the DM class locomotive to safely operate in the Wellington Metro area when that trackside signalling system has been upgraded to ETCS.
As part of the second agreement, Stadler will supply 24 hybrid battery-diesel narrow-gauge yard shunt locomotives featuring a central cab and a maximum axle load of 16 tonnes. The new yard shunt locomotives are specifically designed to operate within all shunting areas belonging to KiwiRail. Thanks to the on-board battery module, the locomotive will primarily operate as a zero-emission vehicle, significantly contributing to the reduction of KiwiRail’s shunting operations carbon-footprint.
The comprehensive contract also includes spare parts, special tools and technical services. The yard shunt locomotives will be designed to be operated from outside the driving cab within the shunting yard limits by means of a safe and resilient remote-control system.
