AUSTRALIA: QR announced A$126m of orders for locomotives and wagons on January 28, to support Hunter Valley coal haulage contracts awarded by Peabody Energy Australia and Felix Resources.

UGL Ltd is to supply 15 Class 5020 C44ACHi diesel locomotives between December 2010 and May 2011 at a cost of A$93m, and 160 stainless steel 120 tonne bottom-discharge coal wagons for A$34m during 2010.

'The locomotives are a new generation based on the 5000 Class operating in the Hunter Valley but with new technologies and increased power output', said QR Executive General Manager, Coal, Marcus McAuliffe. 'The benefits of the new wagons include improved strength, reliability, braking performance and increased haulage capacity'.

UGL Managing Director & CEO Richard Leupen said growth in the Australian coal market bodes well for UGL. The company has secured A$460m of manufacturing, maintenance and infrastructure contracts since November 2009, and is 'pursuing a number of growth opportunities both in Australia and overseas.'

• QR's Rollingstock & Component Services business will build 80 wagons worth A$18m for the Peabody haulage contract.