<\/p>\n
State-owned rail utility Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has set a global freight rail record after successfully running a 696-wagon empty train along the Iron Ore Export Line from Saldanha to the Northern Cape<\/p>\n
In a media release, TFR confirmed that the train reached Loop 18 on 18 October 2026, marking the longest train ever compiled and operated on the heavy-haul corridor.<\/p>\n
The record-setting test run formed part of a dynamic train evaluation programme executed jointly by TFR\u2019s train design technology and operations teams, Transnet Engineering, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, and the .<\/p>\n
Read:
Durban port deal rescues Transnet from another nasty loss
Private trains prepare for Transnet rail network as monopoly nears end<\/p>\n
The test configuration comprised 696 empty CR13\/14 wagons controlled via radio distributed power (RDP) technology and hauled by a mix of Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel-electric locomotives.<\/p>\n
ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n
CONTINUE READING BELOW<\/p>\n
RDP technology synchronises locomotives positioned throughout the train\u2019s length, enabling the controlled distribution of traction and braking forces to manage longitudinal forces and reduce stress on track infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the technical objectives of the operation, TFR CEO Russell Baatjies noted that, \u201cwhile setting a world record is a significant achievement, the real value lies in the technical knowledge and operational insights gained through this exercise\u201d.<\/p>\n
Baatjies added that these operational learnings \u201cwill contribute to the continued advancement of rail operations, support innovation and strengthen our freight rail capability into the future\u201d.<\/p>\n
Route testing and data collection<\/p>\n
ADVERTISEMENT:<\/p>\n
CONTINUE READING BELOW<\/p>\n
The trip followed extensive pre-run planning, dynamic modelling, and simulation work conducted by train design technology specialists to evaluate train handling, locomotive placement, communication protocols, and route readiness.<\/p>\n
Specialist personnel accompanied the train along the corridor to monitor performance in real time.<\/p>\n
TFR confirmed that operational data collected from the locomotives during the run will be benchmarked against prior simulation models to refine future heavy-haul operating strategies and enhance corridor capacity.<\/p>\n
Read:
Transnet returns to profitability but long road to recovery remains
Transnet: Private rail operators poised to reshape SA\u2019s freight network
Transnet rail recovery starting to show up in rising coal exports<\/p>\n
#Transnet #sets #global #freight #rail #record #696wagon #train<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
State-owned rail utility Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has set a global freight rail record after…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[23332,3699,423,1112,847,480,457,8293],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18670"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18670\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stock999.top\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}