BHP Orders Electro-Motive SD70ACe Locomotives
High Traction Locomotives for Iron Ore Mining Operations in Australia
LaGrange, Illinois / General Motors Electro-Motive Division today announced
that BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty. Ltd. will take delivery in 2005 of thirteen
SD70ACe locomotives for use in mining operations in northwest Australia.
Electro-Motive's SD70ACe model, which meets the 2005 U.S. EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) emissions standards, has been developed
for the North American freight locomotive market as well as other heavy
haul railways around the world. This model uses the highly reliable 710
Series diesel engine and is rated at 4300 traction horsepower. The SD70ACe
employs an AC (Alternating Current) traction system to develop high
wheel-rail traction for heavy haul service.
According to Frank Ward, Director of International Sales for
Electro-Motive, "We are very pleased that BHP has chosen the
energy-efficient, low-emissions SD70ACe locomotive for their operations.
We are also proud that these will be the first Electro-Motive AC traction
locomotives going into the Australian Pilbara iron ore mining region."
The locomotives will be built by Electro-Motive in London, Ontario. EDI
Rail, a division of Downer EDI Limited, sold the locomotives and will
support them in service. EDI Rail represents Electro-Motive in Australia
and also manufactures and maintains locomotives with Electro-Motive
technology.