Western Australia’s CBH Group has entered into an agreement with CRRC Meishan to acquire 200 standard-gauge and 450 narrow-gauge grain hopper wagons, marking a significant investment in expanding the co-operative’s rail fleet as part of the ‘Path to 2033’ Strategy.
Based in Sichuan province, CRRC Meishan is one of China’s leading manufacturers of quality rail equipment, specialising in the building and distribution of rail cars and grain hopper wagons worldwide.
Due to the size of the order, the wagons will be delivered to CBH in seven tranches, beginning in September quarter of 2024, with the last tranche expected to be supplied and accepted by the June quarter of 2025.
CBH opened three competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process in 2022 for the purchase of standard-gauge locomotives, narrow-gauge locomotives and wagons, to expand and strengthen its current rail fleet, which consists of 25 locomotives and 572 wagons.
In December 2022, CBH entered into an agreement to purchase a further seven standard-gauge locomotives.
CBH chief executive officer Ben Macnamara said all three RFP processes have now been completed, marking a step to significantly expand the co-operative’s rail fleet.
“We are pleased to partner with CRRC Meishan, which is recognised internationally as a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of quality grain hopper wagons,” he said.
“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.
“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 board chairman Pan Shuping said the company was excited CBH had selected CRRC Meishan for the expansion of the wagon rolling stock fleet.
“The new hopper wagons will incorporate innovative designs to allow low wagon tare weight and quick discharge rate,” he said.
“CRRC Meishan is committed to working with CBH to bring reliable products for highly efficient operations.”
