SCT Logistics says it is ‘humbled’ by the noise, ride and speed performance of its six new CSR locomotives
April 24, 2012
SCT Logistics says it is ‘humbled’ by the noise, ride and speed performance of its six new China Southern Rail (CSR)locomotives.
Managing Director Geoff Smith says
the rail operator conceived and specified the locomotives
to be more flexible and efficient and give the rail operator an advantage in the very competitive freight industry.
Built by CSR, China’s leading rail manufacturer, the locomotives meet strict Australian standards and European Stage IIIA Emission Standards.
The new locomotives represent the first non American powered heavy haul locomotives to enter Australia.
“American technology has always dominated the Australian freight rail industry,” Smith says.
“However one of the issues we now face is that the average age of the fleets that operate across Australia is nearly 30 years old with most not conforming to current standards, especially 21st century emission standards.”
According to SCT, the
new locomotives emit less carbon than any other locomotives in Australia and will set a new benchmark for the Australian rail industry moving forward.
“CSR was looking to build a locomotive that incorporated all the latest features and powered the locos with the well respected German MTU engine,” adds SCT General Manager Rail Noel Ramsey.
The MTU engine is over 4200 HP and with its advanced design will ensure significant fuel savings.
SCT has been rigorously testing the locomotives with CSR.
With isolated driving cabs, a proven bogie configuration and extensive design solutions to minimize noise and vibration, the CSR locomotive has comfortably demonstrated compliance to the stringent Australian Rail Codes when tested at 130 plus kph on the test track north of Port Augusta.
“Contrary to all the sceptics that considered that the Chinese could not produce a locomotive that could match the capability of other locomotives used in the Australian market, the CSR locomotive has already proven itself by hauling one on the biggest iron ore trains from Port Augusta to Adelaide on the 7th of March 2012,” Geoff Smith says.
SCT will have itsfull fleet up and running by June 2012.