Wabtec Unveils First Simandou Locomotive for Guinea Rail
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Wabtec Unveils First Simandou Locomotive for Guinea Rail

Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), have unveiled the first ES43ACi Evolution Series locomotive for the TransGuinéen Railway. The milestone marks a major step in the development of the Simandou iron ore project—Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure investment.

The locomotive, produced as part of SimFer’s 2024 order, will support rail operations linking the high-grade Simandou iron ore reserves in southeastern Guinea to international markets. The 600-km multi-use railway will connect the mines to a coastal export terminal in Forécariah prefecture.

“This locomotive symbolises a pivotal step in connecting Simandou to the world and creating opportunity for Guinea,” said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects, Rio Tinto. “Its arrival supports our goal of delivering Guinea’s iron to global markets efficiently and sustainably.”

The unveiling was attended by officials from Guinea, India, and the US, alongside representatives from Indian Railways, Wabtec, and Rio Tinto SimFer. The locomotive, painted in blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuinéen, is the first of several units to be deployed for this large-scale infrastructure venture.

“This is a proud moment for our global team,” said Mpilo Dlamini, Regional VP, Wabtec Sub-Saharan Africa. “The ES43ACi is purpose-built to withstand demanding high-temperature conditions and will play a key role in transporting Simandou’s high-grade ore while supporting local economic development.”

Manufactured at Wabtec’s plant in Marhowra, India, the locomotive boasts a 4,500 HP Evolution Series diesel engine designed in the US, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency and heavy-haul performance. This represents Wabtec India’s largest-ever export order for heavy-haul locomotives.

With an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore reserves, the Simandou project is expected to significantly boost Guinea’s economic output, infrastructure capabilities, and global role in mineral exports.

Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), have unveiled the first ES43ACi Evolution Series locomotive for the TransGuinéen Railway. The milestone marks a major step in the development of the Simandou iron ore project—Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure investment.The locomotive, produced as part of SimFer’s 2024 order, will support rail operations linking the high-grade Simandou iron ore reserves in southeastern Guinea to international markets. The 600-km multi-use railway will connect the mines to a coastal export terminal in Forécariah prefecture.“This locomotive symbolises a pivotal step in connecting Simandou to the world and creating opportunity for Guinea,” said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects, Rio Tinto. “Its arrival supports our goal of delivering Guinea’s iron to global markets efficiently and sustainably.”The unveiling was attended by officials from Guinea, India, and the US, alongside representatives from Indian Railways, Wabtec, and Rio Tinto SimFer. The locomotive, painted in blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuinéen, is the first of several units to be deployed for this large-scale infrastructure venture.“This is a proud moment for our global team,” said Mpilo Dlamini, Regional VP, Wabtec Sub-Saharan Africa. “The ES43ACi is purpose-built to withstand demanding high-temperature conditions and will play a key role in transporting Simandou’s high-grade ore while supporting local economic development.”Manufactured at Wabtec’s plant in Marhowra, India, the locomotive boasts a 4,500 HP Evolution Series diesel engine designed in the US, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency and heavy-haul performance. This represents Wabtec India’s largest-ever export order for heavy-haul locomotives.With an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore reserves, the Simandou project is expected to significantly boost Guinea’s economic output, infrastructure capabilities, and global role in mineral exports.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TCC Concept Reports 480% Revenue Growth in Q1FY27

TCC Concept  has reported strong financial performance for the first quarter of FY27, with revenue from operations rising 480% year-on-year to Rs 1,283 million.The company’s EBITDA increased 158% year-on-year to Rs 463 million, with an EBITDA margin of 36.1%. Profit after tax (PAT) grew 34% year-on-year to Rs 126 million during the quarter.The growth was supported by continued execution across TCC’s integrated ecosystem spanning consumer commerce, supply chain, digital infrastructure, cloud, PropTech and AI-led platforms.Pepperfry continued to strengthen its omnichannel expansion stra..

Next Story
Real Estate

ANHAD Developers Appoints Akash Lakhina as Sales Head

ANHAD Developers has appointed Akash Lakhina as Head of Sales, Marketing and CRM as the company strengthens its leadership team ahead of its entry into Gurugram’s premium residential market.The appointment follows Adil Altaf taking charge as CEO of the group’s real estate vertical. Lakhina will be responsible for driving the company’s sales, marketing and customer relationship initiatives for its upcoming luxury developments.With nearly three decades of professional experience, Lakhina brings expertise across multiple industries, including over a decade in luxury real estate. His experie..

Next Story
Real Estate

BXB Estates Records AED 110 Million Luxury Villa Sale in Dubai

BXB Estates has completed a record AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, marking the highest-value residential sale in the history of one of Dubai’s most prestigious communities.The transaction, negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner, BXB Estates, surpasses the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa.The six-bedroom luxury residence features a built-up area of 21,714 sq ft on a 15,873 sq ft plot. The property includes nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace. Its wellness facilit..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement