At 1 p.m. local time on 10 May, the world's most powerful narrow-gauge AC drive diesel locomotive exported by China to Sierra Leone was successfully online to operate in Tonkolili, Sierra Leone for the first time. President Biao of Sierra Leone attended and witnessed this historic moment.
This is another example of China's high-end equipment going global and assisting China-Africa to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality.This batch of locomotives has been manufactured by CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "CRRC Ziyang") under CRRC Corporation Limited for African narrow-gauge railways.It is the first diesel locomotive with a middle corridor arrangement and independent ventilation technology in the world. This unique design not only optimizes the internal space layout, but also greatly improves the ease of operation and maintenance.This batch of locomotives adopts the advanced AC transmission technology and equipped with a 3680 kW medium-speed diesel engine, which can complete 10,000 tons of heavy-duty traction in double-locomotive uniting. Multi-system integration technology is an innovative way to enhance the safety and reliability of the entire locomotive.From contract signing to locomotive development and final delivery, CRRC Ziyang managed to complete this project in less than three months, setting a new record for the shortest development time of diesel locomotives.
The new narrow-gauge AC drive diesel locomotives will be used at Sierra Leone's New Tonkoliri Iron Mine, the world's largest single magnetite mine, significantly improving the efficiency of local ore transportation and the overall level of railway transportation. This project not only sets a model for the subsequent development of local railway freight and passenger transport in Sierra Leone, but also plays a positive role in leading and catalyzing the development of Sierra Leone's railway industry.
