QR signs $70 million-plus locomotive purchase from United Group

Monday, 19 Jan 2009

QR continues to expand its capability with the $70 million+ purchase from United Group Ltd of 12 new locomotives for its fleet.

The acquisition by QR's Intermodal (containerised) business comes only weeks after it announced a $45 million, five-year leasing deal with Downer EDI for nine new locomotives.

QR Executive General Manager Freight Ken Lewsey said the first of the C44 Aci locomotives was expected to be delivered in July, with final delivery planned for all 12 by December.

"These deals demonstrate our determination to build a strong position in the national general freight market, which is worth more than $1 billion per year," Mr Lewsey said.

"The market is forecast to double between 2000 and 2020 as product is shifted from road to rail and with our new fleet we aim to leverage off that growth and expand our market share.

"The benefits of new rollingstock include improved reliability, availability and increased haulage capacity, which is good news for customers. It also allows for reduced fuel and maintenance costs, which enhances the competitiveness of our service offering."

Mr Lewsey said the state-of-the-art AC traction systems installed in the new 6000 class locomotives delivered greater haulage capability and efficiencies. He said the new 134 tonne models had 3,250 kilowatts (kW) available for traction, meaning two of them could deliver the power of three of the older locomotives. "This is a big advantage in the difficult terrain on some parts of the network," he said.

Mr Lewsey said the locomotives' ECP braking system improved safety and reduced stopping distances by up to 30-40% compared with the current fleet.

"There is good news for the environment too with reduced carbon emissions produced through lower fuel consumption," he said.

Mr Lewsey said QR planned more investments to meet growing demand for its freight services, including the purchase of new wagons to complement the delivery of the new locomotives.

Each week QR Intermodal offers four services on the eastern seaboard between Cairns and Melbourne, six services from Melbourne to Adelaide and two services from Melbourne to Perth.

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