Wabtec Corporation has signed a £12 million deal to modernise twenty-five Mk3 Battery-Electric Locomotives for MTR Corporation, based in Hong Kong.

There is growing demand for MTR’s transport network, so the company needs to get the most from its fleet of locomotives. The modernisation programme aims to extend the locos’ service life by more than fifteen years, and to enhance their reliability and performance.

In hiring Wabtec to carry out this work, MTR is turning to the company which built the fleet in the first place, in 1996-97.

Having investigated the feasibility of modernisation work in detail, Wabtec will focus on three main areas:

• updating the locomotives’ existing control electronics and the motor alternator control units, including a datalogger, which will provide comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
• replacing the battery charger units.
• designing and building new automatic test equipment to make sure that the newly-refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.

Engineers at Wabtec’s UK and Hong Kong offices are leading the project and working with MTR. Wabtec is currently working on designs and plans to deliver the first upgraded locos in 2024.

MTR also operates in the UK, including running Transport for London’s Elizabeth Line, which opened last year.

Garry Mowbray, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President UK of Wabtec, said, “This order is a result of an extensive collaboration with MTR to define a project that will maximize the capital investment in the fleet.

“The tailored approach is designed to install the latest technologies where necessary to provide the greatest benefit to MTR’s fleet. This project provides an innovative and lasting transportation solution unlocking the potential of one of our strategic customers assets.”

Mr. Kim-Hung Lee, MTR Corporation’s Acting Chief of Operations Engineering Maintenance, added, “With Wabtec’s extensive knowledge of this particular locomotive, I am confident that the project will be delivered on time and enhance the operational efficiency and performance of MTR locomotives.”