Good news for coal industry relates to supply chain efficiency improvements
Aurizon has claimed a record for the longest train ever through the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN).
The 2.3 km train had 136 wagons and carried 11,000 tonnes of coal through the Blackwater rail system this week to the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET).
The “bedding” coal is being used to establish the stockpiles at WICET as it gears up for its first shipments of export coal, the rail operator notes.
“We’re moving more tonnes, on larger trains, from mine to port as we drive improved efficiency across the coal supply chain,” Aurizon operations executive vice president Mike Franczak says.
“This is an excellent outcome for customers, our supply chain partners and the Queensland coal industry generally.”
Franczak adds that innovative operational improvements in Queensland over recent years, including lifting payloads, improving locomotive reliability and better on-time performance, had made the milestone possible.
“Quite simply, we are getting smarter about the way we use our existing assets,” he says.
“The drive to improve train payloads at Aurizon draws on the very best available technology and innovation in the areas of train marshalling, train handling and track/train dynamics.
“This ensures that as we improve capacity and productivity, we are also reducing in-train forces, making for a safer, more energy-efficient mode of transportation.
“The successful maiden run of this record-breaking coal train is a positive sign of things to come when we commence railings to WICET in earnest next month.”
The average Aurizon train on the CQCN has around 100 wagons and a pay load of about 8,500 tonnes of coal.