New freight locomotives for China

To be used to haul freight on China’s rail lines from Harbin to Qiqihar and Harbin to Mu DanJiang in the north east of China, the CML generates 6,250 GHP and can pull the equivalent of 205 Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets. Moreover, this most technologically advanced locomotive on China’s railways can cut key emissions by up to 50%, improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% and lower life cycle costs by up to 15% compared to locomotives currently in use in the country.

The first CML was delivered three months ahead of schedule and GE has established on- site teams in Changzhou, Chengdu, and Zhuzhou to provide technical support and aid in the assembly of the 298 kits. All assembled locomotives are planned for delivery by June 2010.

In response to the current economic volatility, the Chinese government has announced a US$586bn stimulus package to boost domestic economic growth, including the acceleration of infrastructure growth such as railways, highways and airports. Approximately 20% of the package is projected to be invested in the railway sector. Previously, the Chinese government has expressed a need for 6,500 new locomotives and the modernisation of its aging fleet of 5,000 locomotives in coming years.