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EuskoTren has awarded TEAM the contract to supply 12 diesel-electric engines for a total amount of 36 million euros

07/04/06 - Today, the Public Company EuskoTrenbideak- Ferrocarriles Vascos S.A.(EUSKOTREN), dependant on the Department of Transport and Public Works of the Basque Government, has awarded TEAM the contract to supply 12 diesel-electric engines for the Freight Business Unit (EuskoKargo), for a total amount of 36 million euros.

The Engines contracted feature two Bo-Bo type bogies, twin cabs and dual traction: diesel and electric in order to provide freight services on EuskoTren lines and on sections of the FEVE metric gauge lines.

When powered by electricity, the power will be provided by double contact overhead lines. The nominal feed voltage will be 1,500 Vdc.

The Engines will weigh a maximum of 60 tons fully loaded and will be prepared for 80 tons of ballast. They will operate under a basic make-up of a train and one or several engines in multi-traction mode from one control unit.

The engines have been equipped with GSM/GPRS network digital radiotelephony communications, double safety Deadman protection system, tachograph and parameter register, ATP (Euroloop) and ASFA equipment, detection and identification system with GPS positioning, Odometer and GPRS telephony, anti-skid equipment and driving aids.

Changing from one type of traction to another (diesel to electric or vice-versa) can be done while the engine is moving although it must comply with relevant safety interlocking requirements.

The acquisition of these engines will provide:

• Greater pulling capabilities in the 15 ton/axle stage.

• The possibility of increasing pull in successive phases per axle due to the greater power and adherence weight.

• Versatility to travel on electric lines or on non-electrified lines, access to depots and ports causing with less environmental impact.


In 2005 the EuskoTren Railway Network registered total traffic figures of 148,035 tons of coils between Ariz (Basauri) and Lasarte Oria.

As in previous years, the said traffic was managed within the framework of the agreement between FEVE  and EuskoTren for the transport of freight and that basically consists in transporting steel coils from the Aceralia Plant in Avilés (Asturias) to the Navarre plant of Lesaka. From Avilés to Lasarte Oria the freight is transported by rail on the FEVE Network (between Aviles and Ariz) and on the EuskoTren Network (between Ariz and Lasarte Oria). From Lasarte Oria to Lesaka it is transported by road.


42 MULTIPURPOSE FREIGHT WAGONS

Presently, EuskoTren is receiving the first freight wagons for its Freight Business Unit (EuskoKargo) that were contracted through a public tender launched in June 2004 for a total of 42 wagons. The said wagons have been manufactured by TAFESA for just over 4 million euros (4,342,000 euros).

This rolling stock (bogie platform wagons) will provide services on the EuskoTren lines and will be compatible for sections of the FEVE line.

The 42 multipurpose wagons have been prepared to transport steel coils, containers, billets, profiles, tubes, rolled and processed wood, etc... among other goods.

Each one of the said wagons will carry a maximum of 20 tons/axle.

The EuskoTren XXI Strategic Plan intends to reach 2 million annual tons by the year 2012. One of the objectives established by EuskoTren XXI is the encouragement of Freight transport by rail guaranteeing intermodal transport systems.

The strategic location of the EuskoTren Railway Network and its connection with other railway operators makes it a key Element concerning transport along the Biscay coastline from the French border, also providing access to the ports of Bermeo, Pasaia and Bilbao.
  
   Communication Cabinet