Transnet confirm receipt of nine bids for the purchase of 95 electric locomotives for Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR’s) general freight business

The electric locomotives are expected to be delivered to TFR by the end of March 2014.

Transnet refuses to be drawn on

“Our procurement department is currently busy with the evaluation process. Once this is complete, the preferred bidder will be notified accordingly,” the company says.

Transnet recently unveiled a R300-billion investment programme, known as the market demand strategy (MDS), under which it aims to procure 1 000 additional locomotives over the coming seven years.

The MDS, which forms part of South Africa’s bigger infrastructure drive, involves major investments into railways (R201-billion), harbours (R47-billion), port terminals (R33-billion), pipelines (R11-billion) and rail engineering works (R4-billion).

Future locomotive purchases will be pursued on a so-called ‘fleet’ basis, partly to ensure high levels of local content. They will also be conducted through “an open tender process and in line with our procurement policies”.

CE Brian Molefe recently reaffirmed the group’s localisation aspirations as well as the central role likely to be played by Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) in meeting that objective.

Excerpt from: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/nine-bidders-vie-for-transnet-electric-loco-order-2012-05-07

Author: Terence Creamer

Brian Molefe will be presenting at Africa Rail 2012 join us at the conference and exhibition on the 26 & 27 June 2012 but contacting Samantha Pickard on +27 (0) 11 516 4033 or via email on samantha.pickard@terrapinn.com