SOUTH AFRICA (May 19, 2006) -- GE - Transportation announced today that it will supply Sheltam Grindrod in South Africa with ten C30-EMP diesel-electric locomotives, in a local locomotive supply deal.
The GE locomotives will be equipped with the latest 12-cylinder diesel engine with electronic fuel injection as well as a dynamic brake with self-load capabilities. The locomotives will be delivered later this year.
The C30-EMP locomotives are state-of-the-art technology and include some of the most advanced, proven and tested technologies in the market place today," says Roger Lambson, Sales Director of GE -Transportation Rail Division, Middle East and Africa. "Each GE locomotive is capable of delivering millions of reliable, cost-effective miles over its 25- to 30-year lifespan."
Another major feature of these locomotives is the GE Brightstar Microprocessor Control System, which controls and monitors all critical locomotive systems. Brightstar improves locomotive productivity and reduces maintenance and fuel costs by using self-diagnostics to improve troubleshooting, reduce maintenance and cut road failures.
"The BrightStar control system improves reliability through the elimination of several relay logic control circuits," says Lambson. "This control system also provides expandability for optional locomotive enhancements as well as future designed upgrades
According to Roy Puffett, CEO of Sheltam Grindrod, Grindrod's 50% acquisition of Sheltam, a rail and marine services operator based in Port Elizabeth, positions the group for significant growth within the Southern African rail sector. Sheltam Rail Co. (Pty) Ltd. recently won an international contract for a 25-year concession to run the railway systems of Kenya and Uganda, with effect from 1 August 2006.
These locomotives will either be used for existing business or for government or private sector customers in the Southern African market," says Puffett, pointing out that there is huge potential to work with governments in Africa to develop rail infrastructure.
In addition to extended overhaul intervals, design changes in locomotive technology have allowed major strides over the years in fuel economy and lube oil consumption. Each engineering advance has been evaluated through thousands of hours of laboratory and field-testing, then proof-tested in regular field service.
"GE Transportation is very pleased to be a role player in the infrastructure expansion and development that is happening throughout Southern Africa, and indeed, in the rest of Africa," says Lambson. "We look forward to lending our support to initiatives to improve the pan-African rail system as a whole, going forward."
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 aging 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