MODERNISATION SYSTEMS TO CAMEROON RAIL AUTHORITY
SOUTH AFRICA (May 19, 2006) -- GE -- Transportation has recently received a second order for five Brightstar locomotive modernisation systems from the CamRail, the Cameroon Rail Authority. This order is in addition to the original six systems ordered in 2003.
GE's Brightstar locomotive modernization control system replaces old control equipment in diesel-electric locomotives with its microprocessor system. Brightstar controls and monitors all critical locomotive systems, improves locomotive productivity and reduces maintenance and fuel costs by using self-diagnostics to improve troubleshooting, reduce maintenance and cut road failures.
The proven technology of the GE Brightstar locomotive modernisation system provides substantial control benefits, post-installation, such as increased traction control and operational efficiency," says Bruno Chingandu, Regional Parts Sales and Services Manager for GE -- Transportation in South Africa.
Chingandu explains: "The application of this system to a further five CamRail ALCO MX 620 locomotives, bears practical testimony to the great success of this solution -- which provides several benefits including increased dispatchable adhesion, traction motor thermal protection, main rectifier protection, improved engine loading rates, simplified systems control (component reductions), and historical data gathering.
"Customers also like the fact that this technology is also very robust, and has been designed for an all-weather, all-terrain environment. This makes it particularly well-suited to the often harsh pan-African rail conditions," Chingandu points out.
"The BrightStar control system improves reliability and overall performance and availability. We have found that the first six locomotives into which this solution was installed in 2003, have been amongst our best-performing in the fleet, to date," comments Emmanuel Adiang, Director of Rolling Stock for CamRail.
"We have had greatly improved performance and availability due to the superior diagnostics of the Brightstar solution -- hence our decision to do a further five installations," Adiang adds.
"We are very proud that the success of the initial installation has prompted a second order from CamRail for our Brightstar locomotive modernisation technology. We are confident that we will be able to continue improving the railroad's overall performance and reliability, as a result," concludes Roger Lambson, Sales Director for GE -- Transportation in the Middle East and Africa.
"We have had greatly improved performance and availability due to the superior diagnostics of the Brightstar solution -- hence our decision to do a further five installations," Adiang adds.
"We are very proud that the success of the initial installation has prompted a second order from CamRail for our Brightstar locomotive modernisation technology. We are confident that we will be able to continue improving the railroad's overall performance and reliability, as a result," concludes Roger Lambson, Sales Director for GE -- Transportation in the Middle East and Africa.
Note to the Editor
About GE - Transportation
GE - Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), delivers technology solutions for the rail, marine, and mining industries. Products and services include freight and passenger locomotives, diesel engines for marine and stationary power applications and motorized systems for mining trucks and drills.
Throughout the African continent, GE - Transportation provides spare parts and support as well as service, maintenance and refurbishment programmes to several major rail utilities, in countries such as Egypt, Cameroon, DRC, Gabon, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and South Africa.
GE has an installed base of approximately 1200 locomotives across the entire African continent. The division is also exploring upgrade programmes for some of these ageing locomotives.
Contact:
Roger Lambson
Sales Director
GE - Transportation in Middle East and Africa
Phone: 011 - 2370182
Email: [email protected]
Kendal Hunt
PR and Media Consultant
Kendal Hunt Communications
Phone: 011 -- 7045649
Email: [email protected]
Chris Banocy