More than 60% of the total contract value has been produced locally. Size specifications have been checked.
In a significant milestone in Transnet’s modernisation programme, the 200th state-of-the-art Traxx 23E locomotive has rolled off the assembly line, a development seen as pivotal to South Africa’s industrial and economic recovery. The locomotive is part of the 240 units that Transnet has procured as part of its fleet renewal programme.
Transnet group chief executive, Michelle Phillips, speaking at the facility to mark the completion of the locomotive, said the Traxx 23E project was the cornerstone of the company’s effort to modernise its freight rail fleet.
“Modernising our fleet is a critical component of the national mandate to lower the cost of doing business and enable economic growth. Today’s celebration of this milestone is a manifestation of our commitment to modernise our fleet and enhance freight capacity through sustained and focused investment in rolling stock assets.”
Transnet Engineering chief executive Bessie Mabunda said 187 locomotives had already been delivered to Transnet Freight Rail.
“The commitment and the work that we’ve done to date has resulted in the delivery of 187 locomotives to the client. We’ve assembled over 220 3E locomotives out of the 240 that have been ordered,” she said.
Following a 2023 settlement agreement with Alstom (which acquired the original contractor Bombardier), Transnet Engineering initiated an aggressive ramp-up of the project.
Transnet Engineering general manager for Manufacturing, Tshwanelo Tswai, highlighted the localisation achievements: more than 60% of the total contract value has been produced locally, with sustained procurement spend from inception reaching R165.5 million on machining services, bogie assembly material and raw steel supply.
Mabunda said that by implementing a 24/5 shift pattern and stabilising the material supply chain, the project had achieved its best-ever performance in 2024, delivering 43 locomotives in a single year. It is now firmly on track for completion with the delivery of the remaining 40 locomotives by June 2026.
Alstom MD, Tristan le Masne, said the Traxx 23E fleet had recorded 98% availability against a contractual requirement of 95%, with only one fault per million kilometres travelled.
Le Masne said the project had been defined by collaboration, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Frankly, when the dust settles and all is said and done, you will look back at today with pride and satisfaction that you wrote a glorious chapter in the South African rail history books.”
“The next few years are ripe with opportunity and, with continued reforms, investment and deepening collaboration, South Africa’s railways are set to become the backbone.”
“As Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the continent, the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive stands as proof of its capability, resilience, and central role in moving South Africa forward,” said Phillips.
