Norfolk Southern and Wabtec Corp. have announced a modernization program that will convert 33 of the railroad's ES44DC locomotives into AC-traction ES44ACMs, FreightWaves reported. The companies said the upgraded locomotives will deliver higher productivity with lower lifecycle maintenance requirements, incorporating upgraded control systems and advanced digital technology, including enhanced locomotive diagnostics and maintenance planning.
Program details
According to FreightWaves, the work will be performed at Wabtec's facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Erie, Pa. The first of the locomotives was shipped to Norfolk Southern this month, and the program will continue through 2027. Norfolk Southern was the launch customer for the ES44DC in 2004. Since 2015, the railroad and manufacturer have collaborated on more than 1,000 DC-to-AC locomotive conversions, the outlet reported.
Why DC-to-AC conversion
Railroads convert older DC-traction locomotives to AC traction mainly because AC propulsion delivers substantially better low-speed pulling power, adhesion, reliability, and lifecycle economics, without buying an entirely new locomotive, FreightWaves reported. The conversion extends the useful life of existing assets while upgrading their capability.
Program at a glance
| Program element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Locomotives | 33 ES44DC units converted to ES44ACM |
| Conversion type | DC traction to AC traction |
| Digital upgrades | Control systems, diagnostics, maintenance planning |
| Work sites | Fort Worth, Texas; Erie, Pa. |
| First delivery | This month |
| Program end | 2027 |
| Prior conversions | More than 1,000 since 2015 |
Executive statements
"This investment will improve reliability, increase efficiency, and extend locomotive life, helping us deliver safe, dependable service for customers." — Brian Barr, NS Chief Operating Officer, in a release cited by FreightWaves
Wabtec Freight Services President Sameer Gaur said in the same release, according to FreightWaves: "This new modernization program underscores the strength of our longstanding partnership with Norfolk Southern and our shared focus on delivering operational value." He added: "By combining innovative technology, engineering excellence, and deep service expertise, we're helping our customers maximize the value of their assets while positioning their fleet for the future."
What this means for rail shippers
The stated goals of the program — higher productivity, lower lifecycle maintenance requirements, and improved reliability — are directly relevant to freight forwarders, 3PL operators, and shippers using Norfolk Southern's network, since locomotive performance affects train schedules and service dependability, according to the companies' statements reported by FreightWaves. The converted ES44ACMs, with substantially better low-speed pulling power and adhesion, are being introduced gradually, with the first unit now in Norfolk Southern's hands. The program's extension through 2027 means the fleet will continue to shift toward AC traction over the next year and a half, information FreightWaves reported.
Watch list
- The first ES44ACM has been shipped to Norfolk Southern this month, with the remaining units to be converted through 2027, according to FreightWaves.
- Enhanced diagnostics and maintenance planning features are part of the conversion scope, as reported by FreightWaves, and will be introduced as the locomotives are delivered.
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