{"id":43402,"date":"2024-05-14T08:59:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T22:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railexpress.com.au\/?p=116222"},"modified":"2024-05-14T08:59:45","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T22:59:45","slug":"back-for-the-long-haul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=43402","title":{"rendered":"Back for the long haul"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Downer has a range of engineering capabilities already on hand but has also recruited global experts to join the team. Image: Downer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Downer Group<\/a> has returned to the freight market with a focus on decarbonisation and working closely with customers and industry to deliver Australia and New Zealand\u2019s specific needs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Downer has made a return to the rail freight sector<\/a>, identifying a need to support Australian and New Zealand rail freight companies to decarbonise and bringing a range of skills to the fore to support this\u00a0transition.<\/p>\n

The organisation is not looking to subtly re-enter the freight sector, but go on the decarbonisation journey, bringing the ZTR range of products for a here-and-now solution, while also looking to the future.<\/p>\n

Rail Express<\/i> spoke with Downer\u2019s Troy Sparkman who is the executive general manager, Freight & Motive Systems to learn more about the company\u2019s vision for the future of freight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we have our manufacturing and overhaul divisions, our main focus on our return to the freight market is decarbonisation technologies,\u201d Sparkman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have an obligation to contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an industry we made the transition from steam to diesel, now it is time for the industry to look at the next advancements in technology, and Downer see ourselves as enablers to drive this change.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf a partner wants to trial a battery locomotive, we want to go on that journey and to be a part of the solution and develop products that meet the customer\u2019s specific needs, be it in Australia or New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meeting the needs of the future<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Downer believes it has the capabilities to meet the needs of the freight industry but is prepared to expand to encapsulate the diversity prevalent in Australia\u2019s geographies.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have our manufacturing facility for narrow gauge in Maryborough, Queensland and for standard gauge in Cardiff, New South Wales,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Downer\u2019s well-established footprint ensures it is prepared for any challenge that may come with supporting Australia\u2019s freight network.<\/p>\n

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Downer Group is making a long-term commitment to supporting the freight industry in Australia and New Zealand.<\/strong> Image: Terence\/stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The challenge for Downer and the wider freight sector will be meeting the needs of the industry currently, while also keeping an eye on the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mature and well-established rail industry will not be looking to simply abandon every diesel locomotive for a new one. The decarbonisation journey will need to be mapped out and thoroughly planned in a collaborative manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe question is: how do you achieve net-zero before 2050 with the existing locomotives?\u201d Sparkman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to start with modernisation of the current fleet and then transition to a net zero engine from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sparkman explained that decarbonisation needs to be an industry focus with all stakeholders maintaining clear goals to ensure success.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would like to partner with our customers for research, development and innovation so we can ensure they receive exactly what is needed for successful business outcomes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have several products which we have developed, but we need to break that down to the individual customer needs and\u00a0requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sparkman explained that it will be critical to carefully consider which freight routes can decarbonise ahead of others.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are significant opportunities in the bulk commodities from pit to port right now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are all cyclical in nature. This is where the focus on reduced emissions should be and then we can begin to consider ways to decarbonise on longer journeys such as across the Nullarbor.\u201d<\/p>\n

ZTR Partnership\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In January 2024, Downer announced they are the exclusive partner for the ANZ region with Canadian company ZTR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ZTR has built a reputation for developing innovative solutions that extend the lifespan of aging locomotives while simultaneously improving the reliability and availability of locomotives and railcars.<\/p>\n

Among ZTR\u2019s notable products are the SmartStart Automatic Engine Stop-Start system, KickStart, NEXSYS locomotive control systems, Pivot advanced rail car remote monitoring, and BOA II adhesion control systems. ZTR has been actively involved in the development of hybrid locomotive technology, positioning itself as leaders in this area of market\u00a0expansion.<\/p>\n

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The organisation will be leaning heavily on its current experience in passenger freight to help its long term commitment to freight.<\/strong> Image: DOWNER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe ZTR products can provide an immediate here-and-now solution on fuel emissions and fuel use,\u201d Sparkman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a win for an older diesel engine that may have a lifespan of another 10 plus years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sparkman emphasised the importance of incremental changes as an industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the freight sector moves too slowly, it will reach a point that will create numerous challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of companies are making the commitment of 33 per cent reduction emissions by 2035 and that is where the ZTR products tie in perfectly as they can give an immediate and sustainable saving,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce you bring that in, you can begin looking towards hybrid or battery locomotives and then even further ahead to what the next technological solution will be.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A product from ZTR that excites Sparkman is the SmartStart Automatic Engine Stop-Start (AESS) system. The SmartStart AESS system helps reduce and manage locomotive idling, and also delivers fuel savings. It has been doing so for more than 30 years across the globe.<\/p>\n

SmartStart AESS can be applied to just about any locomotive \u2013 from relay logic to microprocessor \u2013 regardless of manufacturer, model, age, or usage. SmartStart AESS is a compact system designed to mount easily. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The product:<\/p>\n