New Zealand's carrier relies on Swiss quality
Kiwi Rail and Stadler have signed a frame contract for the development and construction of 57 diesel locomotives for mainline service. Under the contract, the Swiss manufacturer will supply a latest state of the art Co-Co monocoque narrow gauge locomotive.
The 57 locomotives will replace Kiwi Rail’s South Island fleet. The low emission units also represent an important step in operator's plan to be emission neutral by 2050.
The two-cab, narrow body locomotives will be equipped with a diesel engine providing an installed diesel power of 3000kW, that will in many cases allow Kiwi Rail to operate its trains with fewer locomotives than in the current services. The order value amounts to EUR 228 million. It is Stadler's first contract in New Zealand. (ben)