Transnet Engineering and Wabtec have signed a long-term material and technical support agreement valued at approximately R6.6 billion to improve the availability and reliability of locomotives serving South Africa’s freight corridors.
The agreement, signed in Koedoespoort on October 15, covers Transnet’s Class 43D and 44D locomotive fleets, which haul export commodities, containers and general freight.
Wabtec will provide components, technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities. The package includes its Expert-on-Alert digital condition-monitoring platform, which is designed to improve locomotive performance and reduce maintenance turnaround times, the companies said in a joint statement.
“This agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy and represents an important step in improving the performance of our locomotive fleet,” said Transnet Engineering chief executive Bessie Mabunda.
“The 43D and 44D locomotives serve critical freight corridors that move export commodities, containers and general freight across South Africa. Strengthening their reliability and availability will help improve service delivery, support freight recovery and enhance the country’s logistics competitiveness.”
The agreement also provides for technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and localisation initiatives to strengthen domestic rail capabilities and develop industry skills.
