PITTSBURGH — Wabtec will modernize 330 locomotives for Norfolk Southern, upgrading D9-44CW units that are more than 20 years old into AC44C6M models, under an agreement announced Wednesday.
It is the third major modernization order by NS, which will give it a fleet of more than 950 such locomotives when the work is completed in 2025.
“Modernizing locomotives in our fleet will improve operational performance and reliability,” Tom Schnautz, NS vice president advanced train control, said in a press release. “Importantly, it will also help us achieve our science-based target of a 42% reduction in emissions intensity by 2034. Wabtec’s proven modernization program allows us to maximize the value of our locomotives, minimize the use of new materials, and reduce the environmental impact of our operations.”
The project will see locomotives receive an FDL Advantage engine upgrade and digital features including Trip Optimizer; SmartHPT, a fuel saver which optimizes train performance to a given horsepower per ton target; and Distributed Power. Wabtec says the locomotives will see improvements of as much as 25% in fuel efficiency, more than 40% in reliability, and up to 55% in haulage ability, while reducing expenses by 20%.
“Our modernization program allows Norfolk Southern to enhance its existing fleet by bringing the aging locomotives’ performance to the latest standards,” said Pascal Schweitzer, president of Wabtec Freight Services. “By customizing these modernizations for Norfolk Southern and installing state-of-the-art technology, we are helping the railroad realize outcomes including increased tractive effort, fuel efficiency, reliability and adhesion, which reduce maintenance costs.”
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Wabtec will hire 100 people at its Fort Worth, Texas, plant for the modernization project.
— Updated at 9:30 p.m. to include report on hirings in Fort Worth.
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