Feb. 12, 2026
PORT HEDLAND, Western Australia – Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, and Fortescue celebrated the delivery of two EMD® SD70J-BB battery-electric locomotives (BELs) at a ceremony in Port Hedland today, marking a milestone in their shared commitment to advance technology in heavy haul freight operations.
Each eight-axle BEL is capable of providing 1100 kilonewtons of tractive effort and 14.5 megawatt-hours of onboard energy, making them the most powerful and highest capacity BELs ever produced. Fortescue announced the arrival of both units in December as part of its mission to achieve “real zero” operational emissions by 2030.
“Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials, and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them,” said Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto. “Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task and commissioning these battery electric locomotives demonstrate that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.
The locomotives are built to support Fortescue’s demanding iron ore operations in Western Australia, transporting ore between mine sites to port infrastructure. Powered by renewable electricity through Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect network, each BEL is expected to eliminate the consumption of approximately one million liters of diesel per locomotive per year. The units are also designed to recover 40 to 60 percent of energy through regenerative braking and support high power charging up to 2.8 MW, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
“Today’s celebration highlights the power of collaboration and innovation,” said John Newman, president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail. “We are proud to deliver railway solutions that help our customers meet their toughest challenges.”
The locomotives are equipped with Progress Rail’s advanced technology suite – an intelligent, connected ecosystem of products designed to elevate performance within the rail network. By using Nitro ETA, customers can orchestrate train movements, meet-and-passes and asset maintenance with greater precision, unlocking capacity gains. With Talos, operators utilize cruise control technology that reduces energy use, improves in-train forces, and optimizes overall operational performance. Through the UptimeIQ predictive‑maintenance platform, railroads can increase locomotive availability and reliability by identifying issues earlier, optimizing service intervals, and improving fleet readiness.
Progress Rail’s ability to support customers like Fortescue is further strengthened by its integration into the Caterpillar Resource Industries segment. This alignment will support more efficient development, better integration of emerging technologies, and greater long-term scalability of solutions for heavy haul transport.
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About Progress Rail
Progress Rail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and a leading provider of rolling stock, infrastructure and advanced technologies for global rail customers. The company delivers EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, signaling, fasteners, and comprehensive locomotive and freight car services, along with aftermarket parts and recycling. Its technology portfolio includes data analytics, automation, connected assets, predictive maintenance and yard optimization tools. With support from Caterpillar and a network of nearly 150 locations worldwide, Progress Rail delivers innovative, reliable solutions to the rail industry. Learn more at progressrail.com.
Media Contact
Progress Rail Corporate Communications
Amy Everett: aeverett@progressrail.com, +1 (256) 505-6749
