The first mainline electric locomotive manufactured in China has successfully arrived in Kazakhstan from Chinese railway giant CRRC. This development is considered a significant milestone in rail transport cooperation between the two countries. The locomotive will enter service after passing mandatory certification tests in Kazakhstan.
The six-axle CEA1 electric locomotive was built at CRRC’s Zhuzhou factory for TTT-Service, a subsidiary of private freight transport operator SilkwayTransit. Delivered to Kazakhstan at the end of April, the modern locomotive is expected to bring a new breath to Kazakhstan’s rail transport.
CRRC engineers have equipped the CEA1 locomotive with an impressive 7,2 MW power output. In addition, special designs have been made to ensure that the locomotive is resistant to the harsh climate conditions of Kazakhstan. In this context, it is stated that the locomotive can operate smoothly in a wide temperature range from -50°C to +50°C. The CEA1’s top speed is announced as 120 kilometers per hour.
Kazakhstan's Turn to Chinese Locomotives and Diversification of Supply
Kazakhstan signed a contract with CRRC for 2 mainline electric locomotives after it stopped supplying 7ES10 model locomotives it had previously imported from Russia. This first delivery aims to address the current shortage of traction units in Kazakhstan.
This strategic move is fully in line with SilkwayTransit’s vision to diversify its suppliers and modernize its existing fleet. This cooperation with CRRC is seen as an important step that will help Kazakhstan increase its logistics independence and reduce geopolitical risks.
CEA1 Locomotive to be Assembled in Kazakhstan
The railway cooperation between the two countries is unlikely to be limited to the supply of locomotives. The partners are also considering the possibility of establishing a locomotive assembly plant in Kazakhstan in the future. Such an investment would support local production and significantly shorten spare parts supply and delivery times.
CRRC’s experience in broad gauge railway markets also provides a significant advantage for this cooperation. The Chinese giant supplied 2012 BKG12 freight locomotives to Belarus in 1 and regularly delivers locomotives to Uzbekistan.
Growing Demand for Chinese Technology in the Eurasian Economic Union
This project, carried out with SilkwayTransit, clearly demonstrates the growing demand for Chinese technology in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) region in general. CRRC’s mainline locomotives provide an important alternative for rail transport, providing reliable performance in the region’s unique and challenging climatic conditions. This first CEA1 delivery is considered a promising start for the future of rail cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.
