New Centennial fleet doubles haulage capacity

Centennial Coal has almost doubled its haulage capacity with the introduction of a new fleet of C44ACi locomotives.

On June 27, seven 4,400-horsepower CEY class units, which have been built by UGL, were presented to Centennial Coal and rail operator Shorthaul Railroad (SSR) at UGL’s production facility in Broadmeadow, Newcastle.

In May 2012, Centennial Coal set a new record after hauling approximately 770,000 mt of coal from mine to port.

Managing director and CEO of Centennial Coal David Moult said: “Essentially these locomotives have delivered greater operational flexibility and increased capacity, reinvigorating our coal supply chain.

“We’re setting new benchmarks in performance which are opening up new opportunities in meeting increased market demand locally here in Australia and throughout Asia.”

The locomotives, numbered CEY001 through to CEY007, represent Centennial Coal’s Australian Stock Exchange code before it was purchased in 2010 by Thailand based Banpu – Asia’s largest independent coal group.

CEY007, known as ‘Lake Macquarie’, was wrapped in a giant red ribbon and bow to symbolise good luck and prosperity associated with the parent company’s’ Thai culture.

Depending on designated task and fuel load, the locomotives weigh in at between 134 and 139 tonnes.

Alan Beacham, UGL’s executive general manager freight, said: “The CEY Class locomotive reinforces UGL and GE’s commitment to delivering a superior and cost-effective product to our valued customer Centennial Coal.”