Innovations driven by government investment in New Zealand’s rail network have propelled KiwiRail’s EF electric locomotives to internationally recognised success. The EF class locomotives were awarded a prestigious Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for their unique engineering heritage and contribution to a cleaner environment. This award marks an important milestone in KiwiRail’s innovation on the railway.
Co-operation of British Technology and New Zealand Needs
EF Class trains were developed in the 1980s as a product of a collaboration between British technology and the demanding operational demands of New Zealand. This collaboration has resulted in a highly capable electric locomotive designed to pull large loads using renewable energy sources.
KiwiRail’s fleet has been instrumental in having a lifespan of more than forty years thanks to good design, proper maintenance and smart investment. David Gordon, Metro and Capital Programme Officer, highlighted the key factors behind this success.
Modernisation and Sustainability Investments
The New Zealand Government supported KiwiRail by spending NZ$35 million on the railway network in 2018. KiwiRail used these funds to upgrade the entire EF fleet to ensure locomotives would be in service for another ten years. This refurbishment included upgrading the mechanical and electronic components.
Local labour also played an important role in the modernisation process:
- Loop Technologies (Waikato): Upgraded its core systems to make them more efficient and safe.
- KiwiRail’s Hutt Workshops/Palmerston North: It carried out a complete refurbishment of the locomotives and the installation of new regenerative braking systems that feed power back into the national grid.
A total of twelve of the fifteen units scheduled for refurbishment have been completed and the entire fleet is expected to be ready for service by the end of 2025.
Registration of Engineering Heritage
As part of the Engineering Heritage Award presented by IMechE, a heritage plaque will be placed on each locomotive. This award makes the EF class one of IMechE’s most important achievements since 1984 as it recognises innovation and responsible use of infrastructure.
This is a powerful example of how engineering innovation is critical to creating a cleaner and more robust transport system in the future.
