QUBE has acquired 12 new locomotives from Progress Rail, one of the largest providers of rolling stock and infrastructure for the global rail industry.
The 12 locomotives are all scheduled to be delivered in 2023, commencing August.
Qube plans to use the locos for its new interstate services between Melbourne and Sydney.
Qube logistics and infrastructure director John Digney said the additional locomotives would enable the continued growth of the new service.
“These 12 new locos will further strengthen our ability to provide Qube customers with an efficient and regular rail service between Australia two most populous capital cities, for which we expect to see growing demand,” he said.
“Since 2021, Qube has invested significantly in its rail business and grown its locomotive fleet by 32, enabling the efficient and reliable movement of freight via rail and helping get trucks off roads, which has the added benefit of reducing CO2 emissions.”
Progress Rail senior vice president Colin Kerelchuk welcomed the acquisition.
“We are pleased to support Qube with our EMD 4500 horsepower, Tier 3 emissions, heavy-haul locomotives,” he said.
“With personnel located across Qube’s rail network, we are committed to providing best-in-class products and services.”
Qube’s Melbourne to Sydney service launched in November, initially providing three weekly round trips.
Qube said it is the first interstate service to be handled under automation at the Qube Moorebank IMEX Terminal in Sydney.
