USA: CSX has awarded Wabtec a $670m contract to supply 100 Evolution Series locomotives, modernise 50 existing locos and provide a suite of digital services.
The new locomotives to be delivered from this year are expected to offer improved fuel efficiency, tractive effort and overall reliability on long-haul and heavy-duty operations.
The older Dash-9 locos will be converted from DC to AC traction from 2027, enabling the use of advanced control and diagnostic technologies and increasing standardisation. The upgrade is also expected to extend their service life.
The new and modernised locomotives will be equipped with Wabtec’s Trip Optimizer system, including the Smart Horsepower per Ton functionality intended to support fuel efficiency.
‘Our unique partnership supports CSX’s strategic approach to long term fleet planning’, said Rogerio Mendonca, President, Freight Equipment at Wabtec, on February 9. ‘By combining new and modernised locomotives with our industry-proven digital solutions, we expect to continue supporting improvements in fuel performance, operational efficiency and reliability across CSX’s rail operations.’
