Pacific National has introduced the first unit from its new 94 Class locomotive fleet into service, completing a transit from Melbourne to Perth—Australia’s longest intermodal rail corridor.
Built in Australia by UGL in partnership with Wabtec, the Class 94 locomotives are designed to haul container trains up to 1,800 metres long. They are intended to strengthen Pacific National’s east–west intermodal operations while supporting its decarbonisation strategy. The units are equipped with Trip Optimizer™, a digital system that automates throttle and dynamic braking to improve fuel use and train handling.
According to the operator, rail already offers up to 80% fewer emissions per tonne-kilometre compared to road freight. The introduction of the Class 94 is expected to reinforce this margin further on long-haul corridors.
