Wabtec: Roll Like an Egyptian

Wabtec on Nov. 8 signed contracts with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to supply 100 ES30ACi Evolution Series Locomotives with a multi-year service and maintenance agreement. The deal, Wabtec said, “support ENR’s continued modernization effort by providing the latest, fuel-efficient locomotives needed for the growing demands on Egypt’s rail infrastructure.

The ES30ACi Locomotive is a double-cab unit “delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency, lowest total cost of ownership, and high performance in high temperature environments,” Wabtec said. It will be equipped with a 12-cylinder, 3,300 horsepower Evolution Series engine, AC traction technology, individual axle control, and dynamic brakes. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development funded the locomotive contract. Wabtec expects to deliver the locomotives to ENR in 2023.

To celebrate the agreement, several dignitaries from the Ministry, ENR and Wabtec attended a signing ceremony, including: H.E. Kamal El Wazir, Minister of Transport; Engineer Mostafa Abu El Makarem, ENR Chairman; and Gökhan Bayhan, Wabtec Senior Vice President for Russia/CIS, Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

“This order underscores the commitment by the Ministry of Transportation and Egyptian National Railways to provide world-class passenger service,” said Bayhan. “These locomotives will provide the quality, performance and reliability needed to meet the needs of Egypt’s rail network. With this agreement, we will help Egyptian National Railways move passengers and products faster and more efficiently.”

Deputy Chief of Mission for the United States Embassy in Cairo, Nicole Shampaine said, “We are thrilled to see this important deal, evidence of the close U.S.-Egypt economic partnership. U.S. firms, like Wabtec, deliver value, efficiency, and reliability to Egypt as the country modernizes its rail system, and pursues its sustainable development strategy of ‘Vision 2030.’ We look forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry of Transport on future projects to modernize Egypt’s growing transportation sector.”

Wabtec noted that it “has been a committed partner in Egypt for more than 40 years,” a relationship that dates to GE Transportation, which Wabtec acquired in February 2019. “With this deal, the company will have more than 300 locomotives in ENR’s fleet. This agreement builds on our longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and ENR.”