A First For GE In Chile

GE Transportation will supply Chilean private transport provider FCAB – Ferrocarril de Antofagasta with five diesel-electric locomotives in 2019.

This is the first deal between the two partners and includes parts, service and warranty agreement.

The order continues GE Transportation’s growth in South America. The market is growing, and a modernized infrastructure is a key driver in the region’s economic development, the company said. GE Transportation has facilitated the growth with strategic projects in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia. Over the past three years, GE Transportation said it has seen increased locomotive and digital sales of 40% in the region. These locomotives will be used to transport different products for the mining industry in Chile, which represents approximately 50% of Chile’s export trade.

”Sustainability, safety and productivity are fundamental within our management approach. The acquisition of these five new GE locomotives, along with other brand new rolling stock, trigger a step change on greenhouse gases emission reduction, improves safety features for our crews and enhances train productivity. We are sure the changes we are making lead us to provide a more safe and reliable service to our customers in Chile and beyond the border,” said Mauricio Ortiz, general manager of FCAB.

The new C23EMP single-cab AC/DC locomotives are designed for light-axle load operations. These locomotives have been specially designed for FCAB, equipped with a GE FDL 12-cylinder engine to operate at high altitude and utilize GE’s electronic fuel injection, which provides fuel efficiency, the company said. It has low clearance and can operate on narrow gauge tracks. The locomotives will be assembled at GE Transportation’s facility located in Contagem, Brazil.

“We are excited to partner with FCAB and expand our presence across Latin America,” said Marcos Costa, general manager of GE Transportation for Latin America. “With this agreement, we will help the region improve its rail infrastructure and bring products to market faster and more efficiently.”