THE FIRST six prototype wagons of what will eventually be a fleet of 200 standard-gauge and 450 narrow gauge grain hopper wagons for grain co-operative CBH arrived aboard the SE Kelly at Fremantle Port on Saturday 5 October, following a three-week journey from China.
The prototypes went into in-country testing and are expected to be in service within the next week.
The next batch of wagons being manufactured by CRRC Meishan in Sichuan province in China, is expected to be delivered in December.
The final batch of wagons is due to arrive in the June quarter of 2025.
In a media release announcing the deal in June last year CBH CEO Ben Macnamara said CRRC Meishan was a global leader in the manufacture of quality rail equipment, specialising in the building and distribution of rail cars and grain hopper wagons worldwide.
“Our rail fleet is a key asset for the co-operative and expanding our existing train sets is a strategic priority that is critical for us to achieve CBH’s ‘Path to 2033’ strategy that aims to lift our monthly export capacity to three million tonnes by 2033 or sooner,” Mr Macnamara said.
“Expanding our wagon rolling stock, in conjunction with the expansion of our standard-gauge and narrow-gauge locomotive fleets, is a significant step to improve our outloading capability.
“By investing in our supply chain network, we are ensuring we can deliver tonnes to customers when needed and therefore return sustained value to Western Australian growers.”
CRRC Meishan Chairman of the Board, Pan Shuping, said the new hopper wagons will incorporate innovative designs to allow low wagon tare weight and quick discharge rate.
