Moldovan Railways seeks to upgrade its existing fleet to haul freight trains

Moldovan Railways (CFM) has selected GE Transportation to supply 12 Evolution Series locomotives, as well as parts, training and services.

This order marks a significant step as the country seeks to upgrade its existing fleet to haul freight trains, primarily carrying grain and ore, as well as passenger trains, and is the first locomotive order in Moldova for GE Transportation.

Designed for the CIS region’s wide temperature and operating conditions, the TE33AC locomotive features a 12-cylinder, 4,000-horsepower Evolution Series engine with EU3A emissions-level compliance; delivering high-power output, enhanced productivity, greater flexibility, lower lifecycle costs and improved reliability in heavy-haul operations.

Compared to the legacy Moldovan fleet, the TE33AC can significantly reduce harmful emissions, economise on fuel and oil costs, and increase time between maintenance overhauls.

“Availability and reliability are vital factors as we seek to modernise our fleet to bring critical goods and resources to market,” said Iurii Topala, CFM Director. “With these new GE locomotives, we will get the added benefit of significant fuel savings as we will be able to use a single locomotive to haul trains, in place of two that we use today to carry the same amount of freight.”

The deal is part of the broader project for the ‘Restructuring and Reorganization of the State Enterprise Moldova Railways’ and includes funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the European Union.

“We are honoured to be selected by Moldovan Railways for this important infrastructure investment,” said Gokhan Bayhan, GE Transportation’s General Manager, Russia/CIS, Europe, Middle East and North African market. “With this order, GE Transportation will have over 1,000 locomotives operating in eight countries in the region, bringing newfound performance and productivity to these vibrant economies.”