News from the world rail freight market.
Three C23EMP diesel locos built by Wabtec for RAS Transport have left the Cotagem factory in Brazil on October 17 for delivery to Uruguay.
European Loc Pool has signed a full-service leasing agreement to supply a Stadler EuroDual electro-diesel locomotive to new customer Rail Unit for use across Germany from September 2026. ‘Knowing that we are no longer dependent on third parties or need to change locomotives to operate on non-electrified lines or sidings is crucial for us. This allows us to meet our customers’ requirements at any time’, said Rail Unit Managing Director Ceyhun Celep.
Sweden is providing grant financing through Swedfund International to fund a feasibility study for signalling systems and operational models for the Philippines’ planned 212 km Subic Bay – Clark – Manila – Batangas Railway, which would connect three of the country’s most important ports. The Swedish grant complements funding from the US Trade & Development Agency announced in June to support parallel studies on transport modelling, port–rail integration and institutional planning. The Asian Development Bank will oversee procurement of the consultant for the main feasibility study.
Leasing company Cargounit has signed an additional service agreement with Siemens Mobility covering the maintenance of nearly 70 Vectron multi-system locomotives, with the possibility of adding more. ‘The scope of the agreement covers not only the maintenance of locomotives in Poland, but also within the European network of Siemens Mobility workshops abroad. This gives Cargounit access to a proven service infrastructure, which translates into greater flexibility and operational reliability’, said Dawid Tomasik, Sales Development Team Manager at the Polish arm of Siemens Mobility, on October 31.
The Association of American Railroads has launched a series of online videos explaining freight rail issues, starting with background on the 45th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980. Other topics include freight rail’s role in jobs, supply chain, safety and a cleaner environment.
Nevomo has signed an agreement with DP World and Deendayal Port Authority for the pilot deployment of its MagRail Booster magnetic propulsion system for the self-propelled rail movement of bulk cargo and containers on a 750 m track within the port. This is intended to demonstrate fully automated and sustainable cargo movement using existing rail infrastructure and modified wagons, reducing the need for conventional locomotives while improving throughput, efficiency and safety. A strategic feasibility study will assess the potential for large-scale deployment of MagRail technology at Indian ports.
Tramesa and Transitalia have operated a pilot service carrying road trailers between València and Entroncamento on a route avoiding Madrid, with haulage provided by Medway. Two train pairs per week are planned.
Azerbaijan Railways and China’s Xi’an Port have signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out joint measures to create a favourable environment for international freight transport. The MoU is intended to enhance service quality through digitalisation and expand multimodal transport connections along the Middle Corridor within the framework of the Belt & Road Initiative.
GATX Rail Europe is providing long-standing customer LogServ with two Eamnos heavy bulk goods wagons for two months of testing to further optimise the vehicles for the transport of scrap material.
Kevin Boone was named EVP & CFO at CSX on October 29, succeeding Sean Pelkey who has left the company. Maryclare Kenney has been promoted to SVP & CCO. Boone joined CSX in 2017 and has held several leadership roles, most recently EVP & CCO. He was previously held the CFO position for two years, during what CSX described as ‘the company’s navigation of supply chain challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic’. Kenney was previously responsible for Merchandise Sales & Marketing, Transflo, Automotive and Total Distribution Services.
In late October Transfesa Logistic took delivery of the last of a batch of 200 standard gauge car-carrying wagon ordered from Tatravagónka Poprad in 2023 for use on international services running over the Mediterranean Corridor in Spain. The 31 m long wagons have an upper deck which can be adjusted in height to enable the transport of different types of road vehicles.