Leading rail freight operator Pacific National is rolling out “the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient, and environmentally compatible diesel locomotives in Australia”, investing $350 million to deliver a fleet of 50 new greener trains to bolster its intermodal operations.
Designed and built in Broadmeadow, New South Wales by UGL, in partnership with Wabtec Corporation, the new 94 Class locomotives are the most advanced diesel freight locomotives in Australia, according to Pacific National Chief Executive Officer Brett Grehan.
“Pacific National is focused on delivering what matters for its customers – reliable, sustainable, and efficient rail freight solutions that help businesses with their journey to reduce emissions,” he said.
“The Australian-made 94 Class locomotives are the first of their kind for domestic freight in the country and will reduce emissions on Pacific National’s services by a further six to ten per cent.”
Grehan said the company is proud to be able to exclusively offer its customers the most carbon efficient diesel locomotives in the country to rail their freight.
“The 94 Class locomotives further extend rail’s environmental lead over road and make it clear rail is the right freight mode of choice to ensure the country is on track to meet emission reduction targets,” he added.
The investment is part of Pacific National’s broader strategy to modernise its fleet, support decarbonisation, and ensure it is operating efficiently and sustainably.
Pacific National’s Group Executive of Intermodal, Cramer Ball, said: “Freight moved by rail already produces up to 80 per cent fewer emissions per tonne compared to road transport.
“But these 94 Class take that advantage even further, giving our customers confidence their goods are being moved in the most sustainable way possible and extending Pacific National’s carbon emissions advantage for our customers.”
Capable of hauling 1500 to 1800-metre containerised trains, the 94 Class will enhance reliability and efficiency across Pacific National’s service network.
A key feature of the new fleet is Wabtec’s trademarked Trip Optimizer system, a smart energy management technology that automates throttle and braking decisions in real time to minimise fuel use.
“We’ve deployed Trip Optimizer across the fleet to deliver better fuel efficiency and further lower emissions,” Ball said. “The system enhances operational efficiency, reduces wear and tear, and ensures consistent train handling – particularly important on long intermodal routes.”
Pacific National’s $350 million investment was a boost for Australia’s local rail manufacturing capability, with the locomotives built in Broadmeadow and supporting local jobs.
With Australia’s freight task to grow over the coming decade, Grehan said upgrading its locomotive fleet is essential to meet future demand while decarbonising its operations.
“By commissioning a new fleet, we’re not just investing in rolling stock, but in the future of rail, to support the movement of intermodal freight as Australia journeys towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “These locomotives will help our customers achieve their sustainability goals, while also strengthening the resilience and efficiency of national supply chains.”
Pacific National’s Head of Intermodal Operations, Nick Macauley, said the integration of the new locomotives into the national network had been overwhelmingly successful, including a robust testing regime along with extensive driver and network provider consultation.
“The new locomotives completed the longest container journey from Melbourne to Perth in September, and we’ve now tested them across our national network,” Macauley said. “So we can confidently say they are not just Australian made, they’re made for Australia’s testing conditions.”
Macauley added that the major investment in new locomotives for Pacific National’s intermodal business is a signal to industry that the company is here and committed to the market for the long term.
“We’re confident intermodal freight volumes will grow when more customers see the benefits of these new trains and low carbon advantage Pacific National offers,” he said.
The new 94 Class locomotives are the first new locomotives that have been procured into Pacific National’s intermodal business since the NR fleet.
“For many of our drivers that have worked with us for decades, this is the first completely new locomotive they’ve had a chance to operate and drive,” Macauley said.
“Given this, our drivers have been really involved in the consultation and trials and enthusiastic about embracing the new cutting-edge technology.”
The new locomotives are purpose-built for the unique demands of Australia’s long-haul, intermodal freight operations and will be progressively rolled out across key interstate corridors.
Every week Pacific National delivers more than 180 reliable freight services to move vital goods safely and securely across its Australian network.
Customers interested in learning more about the 94 Class locomotives should contact Pacific National’s sales team at: marketing@pacificnational.com.au.
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