Alvance British Aluminium is set to become the latest customer in the UK for an advanced telematics package from VTG. The rolling stock will be fitted with VTG’s iWagon monitoring package, unveiled just over a year ago. The wagons will be leased by the UK metals company from the British arm of the worldwide rolling stock agents.
VTG Rail UK has announced a new ten-year wagon leasing agreement with Alvance British Aluminium, whom the leasing agent courteously describes as a leading name in the aluminium manufacturing sector. Under the agreement, which begins in January 2025, VTG will lease 20 JPA powder tank wagons to the company.
New partnership with British industry
The “JPA” designated wagons will be upgraded with VTG’s iWagon technology. The innovation, says the agent, is a “cutting-edge solution that is transforming the rail freight industry by enhancing tracking and operational efficiency”. Alvance says the iWagon package will provide them “with the advanced capabilities needed to meet the demands of its operations”.
The deal is a vote of confidence for rail freight operations. “We are proud to welcome Alvance British Aluminium as our newest customer,” said Archie Lucas, Sales Manager at VTG Rail UK. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. The retrofitting of these JPA wagons with iWagon technology is a testament to our dedication to enhancing efficiency and service delivery in rail transport for the benefit of our customers.”
Digital monitoring enhancement
The iWagon concept was introduced to the UK market just over a year ago. VTG says it offers a range of benefits to rail operators, including further improved safety measures through real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities, increased efficiency by optimising wagon utilisation and reducing downtime.
The iWagon also includes Axle Lock Detection and Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) technology, which monitors wheelset slide and brake condition. Both conditions have been cited in recent freight train derailment incidents. Each of the wagons is fitted with four axle end generators, which provide power to the WFP system – these power further digital innovations, including digital real-time maintenance, temperature monitoring and harmonics frequency monitoring.
Upgrading existing freight flow
The leased wagons are expected to enter service with Alvance in June 2025 and will play a pivotal role in transporting alumina powder from The Port of Blyth, Northumberland, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. This journey is integral to Alvance’s process of producing aluminium at one of the world’s most environmentally friendly metal production facilities. The ten-year lease agreement includes a comprehensive maintenance contract provided by VTG. This ensures that the wagons are maintained to the highest standards, providing reliability and peace of mind for Alvance as they integrate the new assets into their operations.
“Partnering with VTG Rail UK for our logistics needs is a strategic move,” said Tom Uppington, Managing Director of Alvance British Aluminium. “That will significantly enhance our operations. The integration of iWagon technology will not only improve our efficiency but also align with our goals for innovation in our supply chain.” Worldwide, VTG’s fleet includes around 84,000 rail freight wagons – mostly tank wagons, intermodal wagons, standard freight wagons and sliding-wall wagons – as well as about 5,000 tank containers.