UGL has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and supply new fuel-efficient diesel electric locomotives for long standing client Pacific National

The company, part of the CIMIC engineering group, will earn $297 million over seven years, reinforcing its position as the country’s only freight locomotive manufacturer.

It will build the C44 Evolution locomotive in Newcastle, New South Eales, adding to Pacific National’s large fleet of UGL locomotives.

It most recently ordered UGH locomotives in 2021 when ordered 6 new C44aci locomotives.

They are used mainly for hauling coal trains in the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains, though they have been used for intermodal freight trains.

UGL said the C44 Evolution would be ‘the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient, and environmentally compatible diesel electric locomotives in the country’.

UGL managing director Doug Moss said: “UGL’s unique position as Australia’s only manufacturer and maintainer of Australian-made locomotives allows us to ensure a strong home-grown supply chain and ongoing local employment.

“The C44 Evolution is better for the environment with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than anything Australia has seen before.”