Beacon Rail and Progress Rail have signed a new 10-year maintenance service agreement (MSA) to continue servicing Beacon’s fleet of EMD® JT42CWR locomotives in Europe. “Beacon’s strategic partnership with Progress Rail to maintain our Class 66 locomotives demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable, high-performance locomotives that meet the needs of our customers across Europe,” commented Ross Shepherd, chief technical officer at Beacon Rail. As part of the agreement, Progress Rail will obtain its Level 4 Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM4) certification and provide maintenance services to locomotives in the field and at local depots, ensuring high product availability for Beacon’s operators. “Progress Rail provides best-in-class engineering, services and quality OEM parts,” commented Jack Zhang, executive vice president of locomotive at Progress Rail. “Our integrated service and supply chain solution has contributed to a strong and growing relationship with Beacon, and through this agreement, we will continue providing them with the highest levels of service, flexibility and collaboration.” The companies will invest in the fleet with proven OEM upgrades, enhancing the performance and reliability of the locomotives. As part of the ECM4 certification, Progress Rail and Beacon have agreed upon an optimized running and heavy maintenance plan at strategic locations in Belgium and Germany, aligning with Beacon’s customer base.
Learn MoreBeacon Rail and Progress Rail have signed a new 10-year maintenance service agreement (MSA) to continue servicing Beacon’s fleet of EMD® JT42CWR locomotives in Europe. “Beacon’s strategic partnership with Progress Rail to maintain our Class 66 locomotives demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable, high-performance locomotives that meet the needs of our customers across Europe,” commented Ross Shepherd, chief technical officer at Beacon Rail. As part of the agreement, Progress Rail will obtain its Level 4 Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM4) certification and provide maintenance services to locomotives in the field and at local depots, ensuring high product availability for Beacon’s operators. “Progress Rail provides best-in-class engineering, services and quality OEM parts,” commented Jack Zhang, executive vice president of locomotive at Progress Rail. “Our integrated service and supply chain solution has contributed to a strong and growing relationship with Beacon, and through this agreement, we will continue providing them with the highest levels of service, flexibility and collaboration.” The companies will invest in the fleet with proven OEM upgrades, enhancing the performance and reliability of the locomotives. As part of the ECM4 certification, Progress Rail and Beacon have agreed upon an optimized running and heavy maintenance plan at strategic locations in Belgium and Germany, aligning with Beacon’s customer base.
Learn MoreProgress Rail has signed a contract with Hafeet Rail for 27 EMD® SD70ACS freight locomotives, which will be used to connect Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE-Oman rail network is the first link in a unified transport and logistics chain that will span the GCC, delivering mutually beneficial socioeconomic and competitive advantages. "This partnership reaffirms our commitment to developing and operating the railway network equipped with cutting-edge heavy-haul freight locomotives that meet international benchmarks. Additionally, our fleet is tailored to comply with GCC Railway Network standards, paving the way for efficient and streamlined freight movement between Oman and the UAE in the future,” commented Ahmad Al Musawa Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail. "We are keen on forging partnerships that resonate with our mission to provide competitive freight solutions across the joint network. This initiative is poised to boost regional trade and unlock new prospects in the infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors of both countries, thereby enhancing economic diversification and fostering sustainable growth." The new EMD units will work in concert with Etihad Rail’s current fleet of 38 locomotives. Through leveraging proven SD70AC platform technology and integration of custom design features and advanced technologies, the high-powered SD70ACS is specifically designed to perform reliably and safely in unique and challenging desert environments. “Progress Rail has developed strong trust and relationships with our business partners in the GCC through decades of investment in products, technologies and local teams,” commented John Newman, president and CEO of Progress Rail. “We are proud to have been selected to work with Hafeet Rail to further connect Oman and the UAE and are looking forward to continuing our support of our customers’ growth in the GCC region.” Features include the proven EMD 710 engine, AC traction, EM2000 microprocessor control system and specially designed sand filtration system. Additionally, the units will be fitted with the company’s ECM™ train control system, which complies with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards.
Learn MoreProgress Rail and Borusan Cat® have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at InnoTrans 2024 to work together on several upcoming projects supporting the railways in Türkiye and nearby regions. “We are excited to announce our collaboration with Progress Rail through this Memorandum of Understanding,” stated Borusan Cat CEO Ozgur Gunaydin. “This relationship marks a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing railway transportation in Türkiye and the surrounding regions. By leveraging our combined expertise and innovative solutions, we aim to enhance rail transportation's efficiency, safety and sustainability. As a company, we offer our customers the best solutions that works to offer the best solutions to its customers, we look forward to working closely with Progress Rail to deliver outstanding results and contribute to the growth of the rail industry.” Potential projects include in-country locomotive services and over-haul, engine and control system upgrades, modernizations, and sales and delivery of locomotives, with further collaborations for the region. “We are excited to work with Borusan, a trusted Cat dealer with impressive vision and capabilities that extend beyond manufacturing, energy, automotive and logistics,” commented Jack Zhang, executive vice president of locomotive at Progress Rail. “The dealer’s intimate understanding of the local market and demonstrated commitment to developing in-region solutions well positions us to expand our rail offerings in Türkiye and the surrounding areas.”
Learn MoreProgress Rail has signed a five-year contract with Network Rail to supply switches and crossings (S&C) and associated components. Progress Rail will draw upon its extensive engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the United Kingdom (U.K.) to deliver on this contract. The work will provide Network Rail continued access to Progress Rail’s local, responsive manufacturing capabilities, as well as long-term supply chain resilience in the UK rail market. Over the five-year period, Progress Rail anticipates increased collaboration on S&C design and supply, which will drive product and delivery improvements and provide additional benefits to Network Rail. “Through working together to deliver best-in-class products over the years, we have developed a trusted relationship with Network Rail,” commented Hyung Kim, executive vice president of infrastructure at Progress Rail. “This contract is an important step in strengthening our strategic relationship and building on the value we provide in support of Network Rail and the wider UK rail industry.” Progress Rail is dedicated to producing switches and crossings, with four manufacturing and product assembly sites across the U.K., including two foundries in South Queensferry and Nottingham.
Learn MoreProgress Rail will exhibit in Hall 2.2, Stand 130 this week at InnoTrans 2024, highlighting its extensive locomotive, infrastructure, freight car and advanced rail technology portfolio, including advanced innovations related to alternative energy and sustainable solutions. Through product demonstrations, attendees will experience Talos™ Energy Management, the Nitro Suite of Decision Support Solutions for movement and yard planning, and ECM signaling solutions. Interactive touchscreens will display locomotives, engines, PowerView, advanced energy technology and track products. Subject matter experts will be interviewed on these topics and featured on a large screen at the booth. “We are excited to showcase our commitment to alternative energy and carbon reduction, train automation, yard and network optimization and digital solutions at InnoTrans 2024,” commented John Newman, president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “These are just a few of our broad product offerings that will be displayed at the world’s largest transportation show.” InnoTrans is the world's leading international trade fair for transport technology, with 2,771 exhibitors from 56 countries, occupying all the Berlin exhibition grounds. More than 135,000 visitors from 137 countries are expected to fill the 40+ exhibition halls, outdoor display, track area and bus display.
Learn MoreALBERTVILLE, Alabama – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed a contract with PT Kereta Indonesia (PT KAI) for 54 EMD® GT38AC freight locomotives for transportation in South Sumatra, Indonesia, expanding the public railway’s existing fleet.
"This collaboration between KAI and Progress Rail is one of our innovations to advance railways in Indonesia,” said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo. “With the addition of a fleet that has the latest technology, it is expected that KAI can increase its contribution to the need for reliable and environmentally friendly transportation of goods."
The new EMD locomotives join their fleet of 91 GT38AC locomotives delivered to PT KAI since 2011. The high tractive effort capability of these AC propulsion locomotives provides significant operational savings and greenhouse gas reductions for the railway’s operations on the Sumatra Island.
“We are excited for this opportunity to once again work with PT KAI to deliver our GT series locomotives, which have demonstrated strong performance, reliability and efficiency,” commented Progress Rail Executive Vice President of Locomotive Jack Zhang. “We are committed to continuing our support of PT KAI with broad solutions to help them achieve their operational and emissions reduction targets and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”
The GT38AC is specifically designed for the unique environments in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and has reliably operated with biodiesel blends up to B35 in Indonesia. Features include a proven eight-cylinder EMD 710 engine and durable AC traction, along with the operator cab and car body designed for improved visibility.
Progress Rail anticipates delivery of the locomotives beginning in 2025.
Learn MoreCN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) is proud to announce the purchase of its first hybrid diesel-battery electric mainline locomotive from Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, as part of its decarbonization plans. The EMD® will be tested to understand the potential impact and opportunity related to retrofitting a larger portion of the Company’s fleet. CN is collaborating on this initiative with the Province of British Columbia who awarded approximately $3.2 million to the Company under the Clean BC Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program.
The plug-in hybrid mainline locomotive, a first of its kind in North America, will be evaluated on CN’s mainline in British Columbia, starting in Prince George and the northern part of the province, under varying operational and weather conditions. The testing will increase CN’s and the rail industry’s knowledge on battery technology and more specifically, on the impact of alternative propulsion technology on mainline locomotives. As different alternative propulsion solutions will require batteries – including hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives – CN anticipates this initiative will contribute to further develop this key technology, while immediately reducing emissions.
Learn MoreVLI – a logistics solutions company that operates ports, railways and terminals – has signed a contract with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, for the acquisition of eight EMD® SD70ACe-BB locomotives. These units will be added to the company's fleet to transport cargo in the Southeast corridor of the Centro-Atlântica Railway, which integrates important producing regions from states such as Minas and São Paulo, to the Port of Santos. Progress Rail will produce the rolling stock at their Sete Lagoas, Brazil, facility, with delivery planned in late 2025. With the completion of this deal, VLI will accumulate an acquisition of 20 locomotives in a period of just one year. The other units will be delivered later this year and used in operations by the company in the East corridors – also on the Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica, destined for the ports of Espírito Santo – and North, where VLI operates the North tram of the Ferrovia Norte-Sul. “VLI is a developmental company and believes that strengthening the logistics infrastructure is essential for the country's growth,” says Fábio Marchiori, interim CEO and director of finance, supply chain and services at VLI. “The continuous investment in rolling stock enables an even broader, more efficient and safer service to our customers and, at the same time, represents a strong stimulus to the national railway industry.” “Through signing this contract with VLI, we continue our investment in the Brazilian rail industry with our EMD® SD70ACe-BB locomotives, which are designed to perform safely and efficiently in the region’s uniquely challenging operating environments,” commented Jack Zhang, executive vice president of locomotive at Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company. “For more than 100 years, EMD locomotives have earned a global reputation for durability, reliability and sustainability, and we look forward to continuing our support of the Brazilian railroads with products made in Brazil for Brazil.” About the VLI Southeast Corridor The Southeast corridor is an important flow route for agricultural bulk, as well as products such as fuels and minerals, connecting important grain and sugar producing regions in the country, such as Mato Grosso, Goiás and Minas Gerais, to intermodal terminals in the Triângulo Mineiro and the interior of São Paulo. The corridor maintains import and export flows at Luiz Antonio Mesquita Port Integrator Terminal, a high-productivity private terminal installed on the central bank of the Port of Santos. About the Locomotives Custom designed for the Brazilian railways, the EMD® SD70ACe-BB is an eight-axle, meter-gauge locomotive that provides increased tractive effort and capacity to haul more freight. The unit is equipped with an EMD® tier-1+ capable 710 engine, AC traction and a cab custom-designed for operator safety and comfort. The advanced technologies of the SD70ACe-BB provide safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability, while delivering life-cycle cost optimization and performance. It joins thousands of EMD® SD70ACe series locomotives operating in demanding heavy-haul service across the globe, including North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.
Learn MoreProgress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed a contract with PT Kereta Indonesia (PT KAI) for 54 EMD® GT38AC freight locomotives for transportation in South Sumatra, Indonesia, expanding the public railway’s existing fleet. "This collaboration between KAI and Progress Rail is one of our innovations to advance railways in Indonesia,” said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo. “With the addition of a fleet that has the latest technology, it is expected that KAI can increase its contribution to the need for reliable and environmentally friendly transportation of goods." The new EMD locomotives join their fleet of 91 GT38AC locomotives delivered to PT KAI since 2011. The high tractive effort capability of these AC propulsion locomotives provides significant operational savings and greenhouse gas reductions for the railway’s operations on the Sumatra Island. “We are excited for this opportunity to once again work with PT KAI to deliver our GT series locomotives, which have demonstrated strong performance, reliability and efficiency,” commented Progress Rail Executive Vice President of Locomotive Jack Zhang. “We are committed to continuing our support of PT KAI with broad solutions to help them achieve their operational and emissions reduction targets and contribute to the country’s economic growth.” The GT38AC is specifically designed for the unique environments in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and has reliably operated with biodiesel blends up to B35 in Indonesia. Features include a proven eight-cylinder EMD 710 engine and durable AC traction, along with the operator cab and car body designed for improved visibility. Progress Rail anticipates delivery of the locomotives beginning in 2025.
Learn MoreHybrid locomotives developed by Progress Rail utilize battery energy storage, contributing to a potential reduction in fuel consumption of up to 45% Rumo, the largest railway operator in Brazil, has taken delivery of two hybrid EMD® GT38H locomotives, which will be the first hybrid units for cargo transport in revenue service. Developed by Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, the locomotives utilize a diesel-electric system and battery packs, with energy to power the motors coming from the diesel generator and a bank of batteries. Testing will take place over six months on the track between Guarapuava (PR) and the Desvio Ribas railway station in the region of Ponta Grossa (PR). The first consist pulled by the hybrid locomotives is planned to depart from Cascavel (PR) in October 2023. “This positive solution from Progress Rail provides considerable gains for our operations,” points out Marcus Jorge, Director of Maintenance at Rumo. “With this technology in our network, we will be able to evaluate the performance of the unit, considering the characteristics of the track. This is an important step in analyzing the feasibility of expanding the use of hybrid locomotives in our fleet.” The highlight of these hybrid locomotives is their fuel efficiency and their resulting environmental impact. Based on operational plans, Rumo estimates the model will be more fuel efficient than diesel units currently in operation, and the use of batteries as an energy source could add improved savings. Combining these benefits with a modern Cat® 3512 engine, Rumo approximates a total fuel reduction of up to 45%. In addition to lower fuel consumption, the locomotives reduce other emissions, such as particulate matter, nitrous oxide, and noise. “As a division of Caterpillar, we are deeply involved in the energy transition, with our investments in technology—from hydrogen and battery, to electric, to these hybrid locomotives—being jointly developed with our parent company,” commented Colin Kerelchuk, Senior Vice President for Progress Rail. “We are pleased to provide these hybrid units to Rumo, which provide fuel and emission reduction solutions to help them meet their sustainability goals.” In operation, energy generated during dynamic braking is recovered, recharging the batteries instead of dissipating as heat through high power resistors. The locomotive control system activates the batteries automatically, aligning with the operator’s power requests. Other advantages of the units include increased reliability, safety, and ergonomics. For example, the locomotive can be monitored remotely, with the potential to anticipate failures, and the design adds more comfort to operators. “We are optimistic about this project with Progress Rail and the technological advances this locomotive represents in relation to reducing emissions and improving safety,” says Marcus Jorge. “In addition, these locomotives represent a step forward for new technology to be developed, with a focus on broad-gauge and higher-density operations as we have in Malha Norte, the main rail corridor in the country between Rondonópolis (MT) and Porto de Santos (SP).” Ideal model for challenging tracks Tests on the Guarapuava-Desvio Ribas tracks are taking place in 2023. The corridor was selected considering its challenging layout with mountainous areas and curves that require smaller units. “This area of the South Network requires compact locomotives capable of making curves easily without adjusting the tracks,” highlights Rodrigo Rampinelli, Manager of Planning and Operations Engineering at Rumo. The two hybrid models acquired by Rumo will haul the same payload as trains previously pulled by six locomotives, with increased velocity on the tracks.
Learn MoreAustralia’s largest rail freight company, Aurizon, today announced details of its investment to build the first zero-emissions capable freight locomotive constructed in Australia Aurizon has contracted Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company and global leader in rail technology solutions, to undertake the innovative project. This type of work has the potential to reduce Australia’s transport emissions and transform the nation’s freight supply chains. This will be the first freight unit to be constructed in Australia powered by batteries, allowing the potential future use of totally renewable energy sources for freight hauls. Batteries will also capture re-generative energy created when trains brake or travel downhill. The prototype is being built at Progress Rail’s Redbank facility in south-east Queensland. The unit will be designed as a heavy-haul freight locomotive, capable of working at locations across Aurizon’s national footprint and suitable for Australia’s harsh operating conditions. Progress Rail will retrofit one of Aurizon’s existing 4000-class diesel locomotives. Aurizon has more than 120 of the 4000-class locos in its national fleet, meaning a successful battery conversion could provide a much faster, less expensive decarbonisation pathway, using fully recycled assets. Aurizon Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said the project sits at the heart of Aurizon’s decarbonisation initiatives with a target of achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050. “Modern freight locomotives using renewable energy sources have the potential to transform the nation’s freight supply chains for customers, communities and the Australian economy,” Mr. Harding said. “Not only will this dramatically reduce the carbon footprint for our freight transport needs and the community in general, but it will also provide a significant competitive advantage for Australian industries and exporters in global markets. “Australia is ideally positioned to supply the world with great reserves of future-facing commodities that will fuel and feed a decarbonising world for decades to come. This includes commodities such as copper, nickel, rare earths, grain and phosphate. “Delivering high-quality Australian products for export across zero or low-carbon supply chains will be a win- win for Australian companies and Australian communities,” Mr Harding said. "We are excited to support Aurizon in achieving their carbon reduction goals,” commented Colin Kerelchuk, Senior Vice President at Progress Rail. “This project leverages our worldwide capabilities, while heavily relying on our expert workforce in Australia. We will deliver this EMD® Joule out of our Redbank, Queensland facility, where we have recently secured a long-term lease extension to continue operations through 2034. “With a presence in Queensland since 2015, we are well positioned to deliver broad technology and fleetwide modernizations to improve our customers’ operational and emissions efficiencies,” Mr Kerelchuk said. Aurizon has also commissioned leading Australian universities (the University of Queensland and Central Queensland University) to undertake sophisticated modelling work and research on emerging battery technology, network infrastructure and charging facilities required to provide renewable electricity to the locomotive batteries. Locomotives typically have an asset life of 20-30 years, so replacing the diesel engine with batteries and recycling the remainder of the locomotive is less expensive, more environmentally sound and based on circular economy principles. The design phase and preliminary work on the retrofit has commenced at Redbank. Construction of the locomotive is expected to be complete by early 2025, with on-track trials commencing in the first half of 2025. The charging infrastructure on the selected Australian rail corridor will be completed concurrently.
Learn MoreAustralia’s largest rail freight company, Aurizon, today announced details of its investment to build the first zero-emissions capable freight locomotive constructed in Australia Aurizon has contracted Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company and global leader in rail technology solutions, to undertake the innovative project. This type of work has the potential to reduce Australia’s transport emissions and transform the nation’s freight supply chains. This will be the first freight unit to be constructed in Australia powered by batteries, allowing the potential future use of totally renewable energy sources for freight hauls. Batteries will also capture re-generative energy created when trains brake or travel downhill. The prototype is being built at Progress Rail’s Redbank facility in south-east Queensland. The unit will be designed as a heavy-haul freight locomotive, capable of working at locations across Aurizon’s national footprint and suitable for Australia’s harsh operating conditions. Progress Rail will retrofit one of Aurizon’s existing 4000-class diesel locomotives. Aurizon has more than 120 of the 4000-class locos in its national fleet, meaning a successful battery conversion could provide a much faster, less expensive decarbonisation pathway, using fully recycled assets. Aurizon Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding said the project sits at the heart of Aurizon’s decarbonisation initiatives with a target of achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050. “Modern freight locomotives using renewable energy sources have the potential to transform the nation’s freight supply chains for customers, communities and the Australian economy,” Mr. Harding said. “Not only will this dramatically reduce the carbon footprint for our freight transport needs and the community in general, but it will also provide a significant competitive advantage for Australian industries and exporters in global markets. “Australia is ideally positioned to supply the world with great reserves of future-facing commodities that will fuel and feed a decarbonising world for decades to come. This includes commodities such as copper, nickel, rare earths, grain and phosphate. “Delivering high-quality Australian products for export across zero or low-carbon supply chains will be a win- win for Australian companies and Australian communities,” Mr Harding said. "We are excited to support Aurizon in achieving their carbon reduction goals,” commented Colin Kerelchuk, Senior Vice President at Progress Rail. “This project leverages our worldwide capabilities, while heavily relying on our expert workforce in Australia. We will deliver this EMD® Joule out of our Redbank, Queensland facility, where we have recently secured a long-term lease extension to continue operations through 2034. “With a presence in Queensland since 2015, we are well positioned to deliver broad technology and fleetwide modernizations to improve our customers’ operational and emissions efficiencies,” Mr Kerelchuk said. Aurizon has also commissioned leading Australian universities (the University of Queensland and Central Queensland University) to undertake sophisticated modelling work and research on emerging battery technology, network infrastructure and charging facilities required to provide renewable electricity to the locomotive batteries. Locomotives typically have an asset life of 20-30 years, so replacing the diesel engine with batteries and recycling the remainder of the locomotive is less expensive, more environmentally sound and based on circular economy principles. The design phase and preliminary work on the retrofit has commenced at Redbank. Construction of the locomotive is expected to be complete by early 2025, with on-track trials commencing in the first half of 2025. The charging infrastructure on the selected Australian rail corridor will be completed concurrently.
Learn MoreQube, Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services, today announced the acquisition of 12 new GT46 locomotives from Progress Rail - a Caterpillar Company and one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The 12 locomotives, which will all be delivered in 2023, will be used for Qube’s new interstate services between Melbourne and Sydney. John Digney, Qube’s Director of Logistics and Infrastructure, said the purchase of 12 additional locomotives would enable the continued growth of the new service. “These 12 new locos will further strengthen our ability to provide Qube customers with an efficient and regular rail service between Australia two most populous capital cities, for which we expect to see growing demand. “Since 2021, Qube has invested significantly in its rail business and grown its locomotive fleet by 32, enabling the efficient and reliable movement of freight via rail and helping get trucks off roads, which has the added benefit of reducing CO2 emissions.” Colin Kerelchuk, Senior Vice President of Progress Rail said, “We are pleased to support Qube with our EMD® 4500 horsepower, Tier 3 emission capable, heavy-haul locomotives. With personnel located across Qube’s rail network, we are committed to providing best-in-class products and services.” The 12 new units will be delivered in New South Wales, commencing August 2023. Qube’s Melbourne to Sydney service launched in November, initially providing three weekly round trips. It is the first interstate service to be handled under automation at the Qube Moorebank IMEX Terminal in Sydney.
Learn MoreThe CBH Group has entered into an agreement with Progress Rail to acquire seven EMD® standard gauge locomotives, more than doubling the co-operative’s standard-gauge locomotive fleet. CBH opened a competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) process for the purchase of standard-gauge locomotives to expand and strengthen its current rail fleet, which consists of 25 locomotives and 572 wagons. This is the first of three RFP processes, with new narrow-gauge locomotives and wagons contracts scheduled to be announced in the second quarter of 2023. Progress Rail is a subsidiary of Caterpillar and is one of the largest providers of locomotives for the global rail industry. Under the terms of the deal, the locomotives will be operational by November 2024. CBH Chief Executive Officer Ben Macnamara said it was a significant step in the plan to expand the co-operative’s rail fleet. “We are pleased to partner with Progress Rail to acquire new standard gauge locomotives,” Mr Macnamara said. “It is the first significant rail fleet investment CBH has made since purchasing 25 locomotives and 572 wagons in 2012. “Our rail fleet is a key asset for the co-operative and expanding our existing train sets is a strategic priority that is critical to lift our monthly export capacity to 3 million tonnes by 2033 or sooner. “By investing in our supply chain network, and in particular our outloading capacity, we are ensuring we can deliver tonnes to customers when needed and therefore returning value to Western Australian growers.” Progress Rail Senior Vice President Colin Kerelchuk said the company was excited CBH had selected Progress Rail for the expansion of their locomotive fleet. “We are committed to supporting the Australian rail industry through best-in-class products and services, and with more than 100 employees in Western Australia, we are ready to support the CBH team,” Mr. Kerelchuk said.
Learn MoreAfter 32 years of service, Marty Haycraft, senior vice president of Caterpillar Inc. and president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail, has elected to retire at the end of 2022. Marty began his professional career in 1990 with Wheel Corporation of America, where he worked as a production employee and gained experience on freight car wheel set production and freight car wheel set materials. He joined Progress Rail in 1993 when Corbin Railway Services purchased Steel Processing Services, later to become Progress Rail. He rose through the company, holding several operations, materials management and sales and marketing management positions, including vice president of operations for the company’s wheel and axle shops, parts reclamation, mobile crews, and outside yards. Marty was named vice president of sales and marketing for the locomotive and railcar services business in March 2002, and in 2009, was promoted to vice president and chief marketing officer of the business. In 2011, he was promoted to senior vice president, and in 2018, with expanded responsibilities internationally, was named executive vice president of rolling stock. In 2019, Marty moved into his current role as president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “With such an accomplished career, Marty has much to be proud of and celebrate,” said Caterpillar Energy & Transportation Group President Joe Creed. “This includes the tremendous strides he and his team have made in support of our locomotive emissions reduction technologies and new offerings to help customers achieve their climate-related objectives. Marty has led his teams with integrity and heart, and his guidance and friendship will be missed.” John Newman has accepted the position of senior vice president of Caterpillar Inc. and president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. John joined Caterpillar in 2011 as an attorney with the Legal Services Division, providing support to Progress Rail. After joining the commercial team in 2012, John served as regional director of Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Pretoria, South Africa, and as the company’s strategic sales director. In 2015, John was promoted to senior vice president of corporate services, with responsibility for various administrative functions, as well as strategic growth, including mergers and acquisitions. He assumed his most recent role with Progress Rail as executive vice president of infrastructure in January 2018. Prior to joining Caterpillar, John gained domestic and international experience working in the pharmaceutical, technology and textile industries before deciding to study law. After law school, he practiced at Burr & Forman LLP, where he focused on business planning, mergers and acquisitions, economic development, and antitrust matters. “Rail is a rapidly evolving industry, and John’s experience and expertise will serve him well as he leads the team into the future,” Creed said. “I look forward to working with John and his team as we continue to support our customers in the future.”
Learn MoreBERLIN, Germany – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is supplying up to four EMD® Joule battery electric locomotives to BNSF Railway (BNSF). Supported in part by grant funding, the locomotives would replace BNSF diesel units operating in Southern California, with charging systems for continuous operation. “Progress Rail is excited to provide this groundbreaking zero exhaust emission technology to BNSF,” said Marty Haycraft, president and CEO of Progress Rail. “We are committed to helping our customers meet their emissions reduction goals.” Combining its broad locomotive expertise with Caterpillar, Progress Rail will deliver the first battery electric locomotive with eight MWh of storage capacity, making the SD70J units the largest battery electric locomotives in North America. “The Joule locomotive is an exciting advancement in battery-electric locomotive technology with more energy storage and faster charging,” commented John Lovenburg, vice president of environment & sustainability at BNSF. “The project is well aligned with BNSF’s commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainable freight. We are focused on continuing to reduce the environmental impact in the communities where we operate and proud to do our part to assess the commercial and operational viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.” When delivered in 2024, the BNSF locomotives would operate in yards and routes in Southern California. Progress Rail will supply two charging stations.
Learn MoreThe two parties will discuss potential opportunities for the development and deployment of an autonomous, zero-exhaust emissions yard concept BERLIN, Germany – Today, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network, are continuing their long-standing relationship and demonstrating their commitment to an innovative, sustainable future by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss potential opportunities for the development and deployment of an autonomous, zero-exhaust emissions and port-to-port concept, which could serve as the foundation for future rail operations globally. “Etihad Rail is always keen to develop new relationships that drive growth of a modern, safe, and sustainable railway sector in the UAE and the region,” said Ahmed Al Musawa, executive director of Passenger Sector at Etihad Rail. “By developing the UAE National Rail Network, Etihad Rail is already contributing to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70-80%. The agreement comes in line with Etihad Rail’s vision of safely and sustainably connecting regions and communities and integrating people and industries through rail transport.” The MOU aims to discuss areas of future collaboration for a potential fleet decarbonization, taking sustainable operations to the next level. “Progress Rail is committed to providing sustainable solutions for customers like Etihad Rail,” commented Marty Haycraft, president and CEO of Progress Rail. “The foundational suite of technologies we are developing will serve railroads around the world with their decarbonization journey.” In August 2022, Progress Rail delivered the first batch of new EMD® SD70 locomotives to Etihad Rail. Each of the fleet’s diesel-and-electricity-operated locomotives provides 4,600 BHP, which makes it one of the most powerful engines in the Middle East. The locomotives are equipped with the latest filtering innovations such as the pulse sand filtering system, ensuring the train operates at high effectiveness and efficiency when passing through desert regions. They also incorporate and comply with the latest technologies and standards for reducing emissions. Rumo in Brazil is taking delivery of the first hybrid locomotives from Progress Rail in 2022. Two GT38H intermediate power locomotives are being delivered in 2022 for trials in regional freight services. “These hybrid units will provide fuel and emissions reductions with lower upfront investment for our valued customers like Rumo.” commented Marty Haycraft, president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “We are pleased to support our customers with solutions that help them reach their sustainability goals.” These locomotives use modular architecture to remain flexible to future fuels, retain the capability of their diesel counterparts, and are capable of both regenerative and external battery charging. BERLIN, Germany – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is an international leader in developing and maintaining Control-Command and Signaling (CCS) and Traffic Management System (TMS) solutions for railway and mass transit systems, ranging from standalone interlocking systems to fully integrated CCS/TMS systems equipped with ERTMS/ETCS (L1 and L2/3). The company was recently awarded a tender to supply its ECM European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 wayside product to Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (FS Italiane Group). “This opportunity will help us further grow our signaling services in Italy as we develop ETCS Level 2 projects in the future,” commented John Newman, executive vice president of infrastructure for Progress Rail. “As an international provider of signal solutions and technologies, Progress Rail is devoted to the safety and enhancement of railway infrastructure.” The ECM Radio Block Center (RBC9) system is Progress Rail’s solution for ERTMS L2/3 signaling, with the highest level of safety, compliant with Baseline 3 Release 2 of ERTMS/ETCS specifications, and with high reliability and modularity. Through product demonstrations, attendees will experience Talos™ Energy Management, the Nitro Suite of Decision Support Solutions for movement and yard planning, and ECM signals. Interactive touchscreens will display locomotives, engines, PowerView, advanced energy, advanced rail technology, trackwork and rolling stock, with speakers interviewed on the hour each day on these topics. “We are excited to showcase our commitment to alternate energy and carbon reduction, train automation, yard and network optimization, and digital solutions at InnoTrans 2022,” commented Paul Denton, senior vice president of global rolling stock sales, technology, and marketing for Progress Rail. “These are just a few of our broad product offerings that will be on display at the world’s largest transportation show.” InnoTrans is the world's leading international trade fair for transport technology, with an estimated 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, occupying all the Berlin exhibition grounds. More than 150,000 visitors from 150 countries are expected to fill the 40+ exhibition halls, outdoor display, track area, and bus display, with the opportunity to experience Progress Rail’s exhibit in Hall 2.2, Stand 130.
Learn MoreBERLIN, Germany – Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, was recently awarded a tender from Ferrovie dell’Alto Adige to upgrade ERTMSL2 on the Merano - Malles railway line, with the contract signed on 29 August 2022. "This is the first ERTMS L2 trackside contract for Progress Rail,” commented Simone Carini, sales director for Progress Rail in Italy. “This opportunity allows us to operate our ERTMS L2 trackside and recognizes our expertise in developing new technologies for the global signaling industry.” The project includes implementing the ERTMS L2 trackside system with custom functional specifications requested by the customer, plus renewal of the CBI system and implementation of the CTC. "Through strong teamwork, we are successfully developing signaling technologies for our customers," added Paolo Covoni, managing director for Progress Rail in Italy, "While we are still in the homologation stage for this product, thanks to targeted, innovative proposals and adherence to required customizations, we are moving in the right direction with a quality system for our customers." Rumo in Brazil is taking delivery of the first hybrid locomotives from Progress Rail in 2022. Two GT38H intermediate power locomotives are being delivered in 2022 for trials in regional freight services. “These hybrid units will provide fuel and emissions reductions with lower upfront investment for our valued customers like Rumo.” commented Marty Haycraft, president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “We are pleased to support our customers with solutions that help them reach their sustainability goals.” These locomotives use modular architecture to remain flexible to future fuels, retain the capability of their diesel counterparts, and are capable of both regenerative and external battery charging. "Sustainability guides all our actions at Rumo so the partnership with Progress Rail is very important to us and has the purpose to bring the best solution to our operations," said Marcus Jorge, Rumo rolling stock director. "With the positive result of the tests, we will be able to increase the number of hybrid locomotives. In addition to their environmental impact, they will add more comfort to our machinists and increase safety in our rail." Through product demonstrations, attendees will experience Talos™ Energy Management, the Nitro Suite of Decision Support Solutions for movement and yard planning, and ECM signals. Interactive touchscreens will display locomotives, engines, PowerView, advanced energy, advanced rail technology, trackwork and rolling stock, with speakers interviewed on the hour each day on these topics. “We are excited to showcase our commitment to alternate energy and carbon reduction, train automation, yard and network optimization, and digital solutions at InnoTrans 2022,” commented Paul Denton, senior vice president of global rolling stock sales, technology, and marketing for Progress Rail. “These are just a few of our broad product offerings that will be on display at the world’s largest transportation show.” InnoTrans is the world's leading international trade fair for transport technology, with an estimated 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, occupying all the Berlin exhibition grounds. More than 150,000 visitors from 150 countries are expected to fill the 40+ exhibition halls, outdoor display, track area, and bus display, with the opportunity to experience Progress Rail’s exhibit in Hall 2.2, Stand 130.
Learn MoreBERLIN, Germany – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is announcing today its plans to provide hybrid locomotives to customers, combining diesel engines and batteries, leveraging the company’s continued innovations in propulsion technologies. Hybrid locomotives offer another capable option in the Progress Rail suite of locomotive emissions reduction technologies. Rumo in Brazil is taking delivery of the first hybrid locomotives from Progress Rail in 2022. Two GT38H intermediate power locomotives are being delivered in 2022 for trials in regional freight services. “These hybrid units will provide fuel and emissions reductions with lower upfront investment for our valued customers like Rumo.” commented Marty Haycraft, president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “We are pleased to support our customers with solutions that help them reach their sustainability goals.” These locomotives use modular architecture to remain flexible to future fuels, retain the capability of their diesel counterparts, and are capable of both regenerative and external battery charging. BERLIN, Germany – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is an international leader in developing and maintaining Control-Command and Signaling (CCS) and Traffic Management System (TMS) solutions for railway and mass transit systems, ranging from standalone interlocking systems to fully integrated CCS/TMS systems equipped with ERTMS/ETCS (L1 and L2/3). The company was recently awarded a tender to supply its ECM European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 wayside product to Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (FS Italiane Group). “This opportunity will help us further grow our signaling services in Italy as we develop ETCS Level 2 projects in the future,” commented John Newman, executive vice president of infrastructure for Progress Rail. “As an international provider of signal solutions and technologies, Progress Rail is devoted to the safety and enhancement of railway infrastructure.” The ECM Radio Block Center (RBC9) system is Progress Rail’s solution for ERTMS L2/3 signaling, with the highest level of safety, compliant with Baseline 3 Release 2 of ERTMS/ETCS specifications, and with high reliability and modularity. Through product demonstrations, attendees will experience Talos™ Energy Management, the Nitro Suite of Decision Support Solutions for movement and yard planning, and ECM signals. Interactive touchscreens will display locomotives, engines, PowerView, advanced energy, advanced rail technology, trackwork and rolling stock, with speakers interviewed on the hour each day on these topics. “We are excited to showcase our commitment to alternate energy and carbon reduction, train automation, yard and network optimization, and digital solutions at InnoTrans 2022,” commented Paul Denton, senior vice president of global rolling stock sales, technology, and marketing for Progress Rail. “These are just a few of our broad product offerings that will be on display at the world’s largest transportation show.” InnoTrans is the world's leading international trade fair for transport technology, with an estimated 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, occupying all the Berlin exhibition grounds. More than 150,000 visitors from 150 countries are expected to fill the 40+ exhibition halls, outdoor display, track area, and bus display, with the opportunity to experience Progress Rail’s exhibit in Hall 2.2, Stand 130.
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