Transnet Limited has taken delivery of the first two of 100 locomotives it is purchasing from General Electric South Africa Technologies (GESAT) - the local arm of General Electric (GE).
Transnet and General Electric entered into an agreement for the supply of 100 Model C30ACi diesel locomotives – the first AC diesel locomotives to be introduced in sub-Saharan Africa. Three of these generate the same hauling power as four of the older locomotives currently in use saving approximately 600 000 litres of fuel a year, a Transnet spokesman said. The locomotives, which are to be used on the coal line and general freight business of Transnet Freight Rail, are part of Transnet’s fleet renewal plan and the company’s R93.5 billion 5-year capital investment programme.
In terms of the agreement, GE will build the first 10 locomotives at its plants in the United States, while the remaining 90 will be assembled at Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) manufacturing facilities in Koedoespoort. GE will supply Transnet with all major components including engines, alternators and other hardware. TRE will be responsible for the complete assembly as well as sub-assemblies.
Transnet’s long-term objective is to localise its supply chain of imported manufactured goods or services to a reasonable level whilst promoting local industries and South Africa as an off-shore site of choice for OEMs and multi-nationals.
