The CBH Group, an Australian agricultural cooperative, has made a significant investment in expanding its rail fleet by entering into an agreement with Wabtec Corporation to acquire 17 narrow-gauge locomotives. This move is part of CBH's ambitious 'Path to 2033 Strategy,' aimed at enhancing its capacity and efficiency in the transportation of grain. By safely moving an average of 22 million tonnes of grain by 2033, and moving 70% of this in the first half of the shipping window, CBH aims to achieve a peak export capacity of 3 million tonnes. Wabtec will manufacture the CM20ACi dual-cab diesel-electric locomotives for CBH.
CBH's strategy to strengthen its rail fleet led to the launch of competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes in 2022. This agreement with Wabtec marks the acquisition of narrow gauge locomotives, following a previous order for standard gauge locomotives. The first tranche of five locomotives is expected to arrive in Australia by the first quarter of 2026, with the remaining 12 locomotives expected in the second quarter of the same year. The acquisition will increase CBH's narrow gauge locomotive fleet to 37, adding 25 locomotives and 572 wagons to its existing fleet.
CBH CEO Ben Macnamara emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the rail fleet to achieve the co-operative's goals: “Our rail fleet is a key asset for the co-operative and expanding our existing train sets is a strategic priority that is critical for us to achieve CBH’s ‘Path to 2033’ strategy that aims to lift our monthly export capacity to 3 million tonnes by 2033 or sooner. Expanding our narrow-gauge locomotive fleet, in conjunction with the expansion of our standard-gauge locomotive fleet, is a significant step to enhance our outloading capability.”
