KiwiRail Partners with Stadler for Green Locomotive Leap Forward

Saturday, March 9, 2024

KiwiRail has entered into two new partnerships with Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler for the procurement of low-emission locomotives.

Under the first contract, KiwiRail will receive nine mainline locomotives equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) for efficient operation across the North Island. The second deal involves Stadler providing 24 state-of-the-art hybrid battery-diesel locomotives for yard shunting, accompanied by a package of spare parts, specialized tools, and support services.

KiwiRail Chief Customer and Growth Officer Adele Wilson says the new locomotives are part of a $1.7b investment in rolling stock that will enable KiwiRail to deliver better service to its customers and further enhance New Zealand’s freight market access to low carbon emission transport. The locomotives will also be deployed on the tourism routes, providing low carbon options for travellers.

“New mainline locomotives and shunts mean less maintenance time in the depots and more time on the track reliably serving our customers,” Ms Wilson says. “We welcome the advantages in up-to-date technology our long-term relationship with Stadler brings, especially to our goal of decarbonisation.”

KiwiRail has also expanded its collaboration with Stadler through an additional order of nine DM class narrow gauge locomotives for the South Island, with the new units equipped with ETCS for North Island operations. A prototype of the DM class locomotive is expected to be introduced in New Zealand later this year.

Moreover, the final 10 DM class locomotives from a 2021 order will be updated with ETCS, totaling 19 ETCS-enabled locomotives for the North Island. This upgrade enables seamless operation in Auckland’s ETCS Level 1 equipped metro area and prepares for future operations in Wellington.

The second contract includes 24 hybrid battery-diesel locomotives for yard shunting, designed for zero-emission operation with an on-board battery, significantly reducing KiwiRail’s carbon footprint in shunting activities. These locomotives will be remotely controlled within shunting yards and are expected to be delivered starting 2027.

Iñigo Parra, Executive Vice President of Stadler Division Spain, expressed pride in their contribution to KiwiRail’s transition towards zero-emission rail services, underscoring Stadler’s leadership in eco-friendly rail technology.

The mainline locomotives from Stadler are powered by a low-emission diesel engine, capable of 3,000 kW output, and are Stage V emission standard compliant. These advancements, along with the ability to use HVO biofuels, offer a significant reduction in emissions. Designed specifically for KiwiRail’s requirements, these locomotives provide enhanced visibility and comfort for operators.

The hybrid yard shunt locomotives combine AC traction efficiency with hybrid flexibility, featuring a Remote Control System and Automatic Engine Start-Stop (AESS) to reduce fuel use, noise, and emissions. These innovations present a modern solution for sustainable and efficient yard shunting operations.

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