Progress Rail recently announced that it has signed three long-term contracts with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to modernize 100 AA22T locomotives and provide technical services and parts support.
These agreements, which were signed in Cairo on April 9 by ENR Chairman Mohamed Abdel Aziz Amer and Progress Rail Executive Vice President for Locomotive Jack Zhang, with HE Kamel Al Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry & Transport in attendance, cover a total of 141 locomotives for up to 15 years and will “greatly improve the availability of locomotives for ENR and provide additional capacity for the rail network,” according to Progress Rail.
A modernized locomotive contains modern, critical components and advanced technologies assembled into an existing locomotive. Reusing the car body and bogie frame provides instant cost savings over purchasing a new locomotive while providing similar capabilities, Progress Rail noted.
“This locomotive modernization program will extend the existing assets’ useful life by up to 20 years, while updating the control and engine system to achieve significant fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” said Zhang. “Additionally, this project will further strengthen our long history of collaboration with ENR to support the nation’s needs of improving transportation capacity, as well as enhancing job opportunities while receiving the latest technologies and components from the U.S.”
ENR has the largest transportation network in the region for the movement of passengers and goods. As a global supplier with strong performance in the Middle East, Progress Rail manufactures EMD® locomotives designed to operate in extreme conditions with continuous, in-country support. Dating back to the early 1950s, Progress Rail has powered or supplied the majority of ENR’s current operational fleet, with plans to deepen that commitment through today’s announcement, the company noted. “Using the technical and project support provided by Progress Rail in these contracts, the ENR workforce will expand their capabilities and be equipped to efficiently maintain the locomotives into the future,” Progress Rail said.
