Stadler wins first large contract in the Pacific region: 34 locomotives for TRA in Taiwan

Stadler has won a tender for the supply of 34 diesel-electric locomotives to Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) in Taiwan. Just over three weeks ago Stadler was able to announce the establishment of a joint venture with PT Inka in Indonesia. The order to develop and build locomotives for TRA represents the second success story from Asia within a short time period: For Stadler this is the first major series of rail vehicles to be delivered to the Pacific region. The locomotives will be built at the Stadler plant in Valencia.

Stadler was selected by TRA as the preferred supplier for the delivery of 34 diesel-electric locomotives. The tender is part of a larger TRA fleet renewal programme. The contract is valued at approximately 165 million euros. The locomotives are intended for passenger and freight traffic on the narrow gauge network – 1,067 millimetres – in Taiwan. 

After a search lasting more than ten years and several failed attempts to achieve success in Asia from its home markets, Stadler signed a joint venture agreement with PT INKA as announced on 20 September 2019 to set up a joint plant in Indonesia. At least 500 S-Bahn car bodies are to be produced there. Just three weeks after the announcement of the joint venture in Indonesia with PT INKA, Stadler is now celebrating another major success in Asia with today’s new order. For the first time, Stadler has won a prestigious tender for rolling stock and, after this long dry spell, has acquired a major contract in the Pacific region from its base in Europe.

Thomas Ahlburg, Group CEO at Stadler, says: “We are proud to be able to supply a larger rolling stock series to Asia for the first time. The locomotives will be used in demanding mountainous topography – similar to that of Switzerland – and in extreme climatic conditions. Stadler is very familiar with adapting rail vehicles to such specific challenges. Combined with the ability to build lightweight yet environmentally-friendly locomotives, these are important reasons for our success in Taiwan.”

The six-axle narrow-gauge locomotives for TRA are powered by a Cummins diesel motor with an output of 2,700 hp. The starting tractive effort is up to 430 kN, and the maximum speed is 120 kilometres per hour. The locomotives are specially designed for the tropical and subtropical climate in Taiwan. High humidity of up to 100 percent and extreme temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius are to be expected in the operating area. The new locomotive for TRA can also run in multiple traction.