KiwiRail has signed two new contracts for low-emissions locomotives with Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler. The first contract involves the delivery of nine mainline locomotives equipped with ETCS (European Train Control System) for seamless operation on the North Island. The second agreement includes the supply of 24 innovative hybrid battery-diesel yard shunt locomotives, along with spare parts, specialised tools and technical 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 is currently employing Stadler to manufacture 57 DM class narrow gauge locomotives, ordered in 2021, to be used primarily for mainline services on the South Island rail network. Under the new agreement, both companies have expanded their commitment with an additional order for nine DM class locomotives that will be equipped with ETCS technology for deployment on the North Island rail network. Prototyping of the DM class locomotive in New Zealand is expected to occur later this year. 

Additionally, the last 10 DM class locomotives from the first order in 2021 will also be fitted with ETCS, bringing the total number of ETCS-fitted DM class locomotives in the North Island to19. ETCS will enable the DM class locomotive to safely and seamlessly operate in the Auckland Metro area that is fitted with ETCS Level 1 trackside signalling system. This initiative also future proofs the DM class locomotive to safely operate in the Wellington Metro area when that trackside signalling system has been upgraded to ETCS.