Wabtec Corporation and MTR Corporation have signed a contract for the modernisation of 25 Mk3 battery-electric locomotives that will extend the service life of the fleet, improve performance, and reliability.
GBP 12 million (EUR 13.8 million) is the value of the contract. Wabtec is currently in the design phase and is planning the first delivery in 2024.
“The tailored approach is designed to install the latest technologies where necessary to provide the greatest benefit to MTR’s fleet. This project provides an innovative and lasting transport solution unlocking the potential of one of our strategic customers assets,” said Garry Mowbray, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President of Wabtec UK.
Following a detailed feasibility study of modernising these locomotives, the project focuses on three key areas. Wabtec will upgrade the locomotives existing control electronics and the motor alternator control units, as well as replace the battery charger units. The control electronics upgrade also will include a datalogger, which provides comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, Wabtec will design and build new automatic test equipment to ensure the newly refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.
MTR’s modernisations come as the company looks to meet the growing demands on its transit network by maximising and extending the capabilities of the entire locomotive fleet. The project strives to extend the service life of the locomotives by more than 15 years.
“With Wabtec’s extensive knowledge of this particular locomotive, I am confident that the project will be delivered on time and enhance the operational efficiency and performance of MTR locomotives,” said Kim-Hung Lee, Acting Chief of Operations Engineering Maintenance at MTR Corporation.
The Mk3 battery-electric locomotives have been built by Wabtec for MTR in 1996 and 1997.
The teams from Wabtec’s United Kingdom and Hong Kong offices are leading the project in collaboration with MTR Corporation.
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