WABTEC has signed a contract with US Class 1 CSX to upgrade over 200 diesel freight locomotives forming the remainder of its AC4400 fleet..
CSX has already awarded Wabtec contracts to modernise 260 AC4400 locomotives, most of which have now been delivered, according to the manufacturer.
Work on the remainder of the CSX AC4400 fleet will be undertaken at Wabtec’s locomotive plants in the United States. The aim of the project is to reduce emissions while improving fuel efficiency, reliability and tractive effort.
The programme involves upgrading the fleet’s FDL engines under the FDL Advantage programme, and the installation of digital systems including Locotrol Expanded Architecture (LXA).
The upgrade is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 8%. Wabtec says that carbon emissions per locomotive will be reduced to around 153.4 tonnes a year, or 31,760 tonnes per year for all the locomotives to be modernised under this latest contract.
The Wabtec programme will also extend service life for several years, increase reliability by up to 35% and boost tractive effort by up to 14%. The CSX AC4400 fleet will have greater availability and increased capability at a lower operating cost.
“Wabtec’s modernisation programme enables us to maximize the capabilities of our existing fleet,” says Mr Mike Cory, CSX executive vice-president and chief operating officer.
“The upgrades will improve asset reliability allowing us to move more freight with fewer locomotives, which also will help reduce our carbon emissions footprint.”
“By installing state-of-the-art technology on these locomotives, we are helping to improve locomotive performance, fuel efficiency and reliability, while also reducing ongoing maintenance costs,” says Ms Gina Trombley, Wabtec executive vice-president of sales and marketing and chief commercial officer, Americas.
“This modernised fleet is well-positioned to support CSX’s long-term sustainability and service goals.”
The post Wabtec signs contract to modernise rest of CSX AC4400 fleet appeared first on International Railway Journal.
