The project, which marks the Škoda Group's expansion into Africa, consists of two contracts. The first is for the overhaul of locomotives over a period of nine years, followed by full service maintenance for up to 15 years. Most of the work will be carried out directly in Egypt, which supports localisation and includes work in all production areas. These large contracts underline the Škoda Group's focus on providing full life-cycle service and modernisation. The total value exceeds 1 billion euros.
“Our aim is to use our skills and experience to build lasting relationships and make a long-term contribution to improving the quality of the rail sector in the Middle East and Africa. The success of being awarded with this project is further confirmation of our strategy of expanding into foreign markets. I would like to thank the Egyptian government and Minister of Transport H.E. Kamel al-Wazir for the trust they have placed in us,” stated Didier Pfleger, CEO of Škoda Group.
The project will start with the modernisation of two prototype locomotives at the Škoda Group's production and service plant in Šumperk, Czech Republic. The remaining locomotives will then be modernised, overhauled and serviced in Egypt using Škoda's extensive knowledge and expertise. To ensure successful implementation, the Group will provide training specifically for the prototypes at its locations. The Egyptian staff will acquire the necessary expertise in Egypt and the Czech Republic to carry out work on the locomotives to European industrial standards. Škoda will also work with its Egyptian partner to find and retain these workers.
“Over the next nine years, we will deliver at least 280 rehabilitated and overhauled locomotives to Egypt with an extended service life of another 15 to 20 years. We will perform up to 15 years of full-service for these locomotives. We are convinced that full-service is the most efficient way for our customers to receive quality care and maintenance for their entire fleet of vehicles,” said Marek Herbst, Senior Vice President Service at Škoda Group.
The ENR locomotives will undergo a comprehensive overhaul and renewal of their components. The locomotives' drives and pneumatic parts will be overhauled, and their braking systems and electrical wiring will be extensively modernised. The driver's cabs will also be modified and new control panels will be installed. The TCMS train control system will also be checked and modified. Finally, the locomotives will undergo a major redesign.
