As South Africa moves to revive its aging and deteriorating freight rail infrastructure, rolling stock manufacturer Alstom is playing an integral role in this journey by delivering modern, locally manufactured electric locomotives to State-owned enterprise (SOE) Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

More than 190 Traxx Hauler electric locomotives have been delivered by Alstom as part of TFR’s locomotives acquisition programme so far. Alstom is confident that it will deliver the balance of the 240 23E locomotives ordered in the next 12 months to aid the safe and efficient movement of freight.

“The Traxx locomotive is probably one of the best, if not the best, performing locomotive in the South African network today. We are contracted to ensure 95% availability and are at 98% on average,” says Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa (ARSSA) MD Makgola Makololo.

Alstom has proven to be a reliable partner, achieving less than two faults per million kilometres, because of its production process, manufacturing taking place locally and the stringent quality management systems it applies.

Consequently, TFR has talked about deploying more Traxx Hauler locomotives on the coal line to stabilise and increase export coal to ensure that the SOE can meet the current challenges.

Also beneficial is Alstom’s access to an existing local supply chain that provides easy access to spare parts and the support necessary to ensure sustainable performance. 

The company has secured a maintenance contract with Transnet, and has deployed teams at depots across the network to ensure that the 23E locomotive is well supported and effective in the field.

Makololo further advises that the company has global experience in maintaining non-Alstom locomotives that can be applied to restoring the many Transnet locomotives in a state of disrepair. 

“We maintain non-Alstom locomotives in other countries such as Kazakhstan and Mexico. We are engaging with Transnet to find solutions for the rest of their fleet.”

Invested in Localisation

“During the TFR project, we have made a significant investment in our supply chain and the transfer of technology locally. The major components comprising the Traxx Hauler locomotives are made in South Africa by South African companies. Whether it’s the car body shells, the traction motors or the transformers, they were all produced locally,” adds Makololo.

The company has also focused on skills transfer, engaging experts who have helped to develop local skill sets over time.

“This local skill set has deep knowledge of the manufacturing of these locomotives across subsystems, and the final fitting of the locomotives undertaken in Durban in partnership with Transnet Engineering,” adds Makololo.

She emphasises that only hard skills, such as welding and boiler making, are generally associated with the rail industry, but highlights that project management skills are at the heart of Alstom’s manufacturing.  

Effective supply chain management ensures that the company has good material coverage for the production line. The high performance of Alstom’s products in the field is linked to the high level of quality management applied in its supply chain.

Back to Basics

Given the state of South Africa’s rail infrastructure and frequent electrical outages coupled with derailments or accidents, she advances that South Africa needs to get the basics right, safeguarding the network and ensuring that the country deals with criminality and vandalism across the system.

“However, when relying on technology to close those gaps, we should look at last mile solutions,” advises Makololo.

During power disruptions, a diesel-driven power pack on the locomotive can ensure that the locomotive moves through sections of the network without power until the primary supply is restored.

There is also advancement in signalling that reduces wayside equipment. Most of the equipment is on board the locomotive to ensure that it is not vandalised, Makololo explains, noting that further engagement around this topic is needed with Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa to safeguard the rail network.

Alstom is in the final stretch of the TFR project and has, subsequently, started to have conversations about demobilising sites that manufacture components such as the car body shell and propulsion. Consequently, more than 400 jobs will be lost at ARSSA and its suppliers.

Designated a rolling stock manufacturing hub for the African continent by the African Union, South Africa has the knowledge and capacity to service neighbouring countries. 

“Those jurisdictions have their own specific characteristics. Therefore, we need to ensure that we understand those markets better to provide viable solutions.

“South Africa continues to drive industrialisation and has done so successfully in the railway sector through the TFR locomotives acquisition programme. It would be sad for all this capability to wind down over the next year and to disappear along with the skills and knowledge we have cultivated,” concludes Makololo.