Newsroom
Alstom delivers the first Prima II locomotive to the ONCF in Morocco
24 September 2009
Alstom has recently delivered the first of 20 Prima II locomotives ordered by the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF). After leaving Alstom’s engineering and production centre in Belfort, France, this new generation locomotive will undergo a series of endurance tests on the Moroccan rail network before entering into commercial service. The remaining 19 locomotives, will be delivered between October 2009 and March 2010.
The locomotives ordered by ONCF are part of the Prima II range, a new generation of locomotives developed by Alstom that has strongly benefited of the experience of the previous versions sold in France and worldwide. Adapted to the operating conditions specified by ONCF and developed in a multipurpose version, this locomotive is suitable for both passenger and freight, and will be used on a 3 kV network. These locomotives have a very high traction power (5.5 MW on 3 kV). They will begin commercial operation in 2010 throughout the Moroccan network at a speed of 120 km/h for freight operations and 160 km/h for passenger transport.
Present in Morocco for over 40 years, Alstom is helping to make the rail network a viable mode of transport for freight and passengers in the future and a key component of the country’s growth and development. Twenty-seven electric locomotives have been delivered to the ONCF since 1992. Alstom has also helped improve the Moroccan rail network by doubling the tracks on the Fès-Meknes line, in service since June 2007, and by modernising the signalling of 900 km of lines and 60 stations, including Casablanca station. Alstom also builds tramsets for the Rabat tramway and is involved in a project to build a very high-speed link between Tangiers and Kenitra, underlining its highly active role in supplying Morocco with innovative and environmentally-friendly transport solutions.
The Group is also one of the leading suppliers to the Moroccan National Electricity Office (ONE), following the construction of a thermal power plant at Jorf Lasfar (4 X 330 MW) and one of the most sophisticated hydraulic complexes anywhere in the world, at Afourer. More than half of the electricity consumed in Morocco is produced with equipment supplied by Alstom.
About Alstom Transport
With a focus on sustainable transport, Alstom Transport develops and offers the most complete range of systems, equipment and services on the rail market. Alstom Transport is capable of managing an entire transport system, from rolling stock to signalling and infrastructure, as well as offering turnkey solutions. In 2008-2009, Alstom Transport recorded a turnover of €5.7 billion, and its orders increased by 9% over the previous financial year. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and has 27,000 employees.
Press contact :
Benjamin Wright
benjamin.wright@transport.alstom.com
Tel.: 33 (0) 1 57 06 85 37
Website: www.transport.alstom.com
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