The first contract covers the delivery of nine ETCS-equipped mainline locomotives for the North Island. The second contract covers the supply of 24 innovative hybrid battery-diesel yard shunting locomotives, together with spare parts, specialised tools and technical support services.
Stadler is currently manufacturing the 57 DM class narrow gauge locomotives ordered by KiwiRail in 2021, which will be used primarily for mainline services on the South Island rail network. Under the new agreement, both companies have extended their commitment with an additional order for nine DM Class locomotives equipped with ETCS technology for use on the North Island rail network. In addition, the last ten DM class locomotives from the initial order will also be equipped with ETCS in 2021, bringing the total number of ETCS-equipped DM class locomotives on the North Island to 19.
KiwiRail Chief Customer and Growth Officer Adele Wilson said the new locomotives are part of a $1.7 billion investment in rolling stock that will enable KiwiRail to improve the New Zealand freight market's access to low carbon transport. The locomotives will also be used on tourist routes where travellers are demanding low carbon options:
"New mainline locomotives and shunters mean less maintenance time in depots and more time on the track reliably serving our customers. We welcome the benefits of the latest technology that our long-term relationship with Stadler will bring, especially as we move towards our goal of decarbonisation," added Adele Wilson.
Under the second contract, Stadler will supply 24 hybrid battery-diesel narrow gauge yard shunting locomotives with a central cab and a maximum axle load of 16 tonnes. The new yard shunting locomotives are specifically designed to operate in all of KiwiRail's shunting yards.
