Rolls-Royce is partnering with Kenya Railways to revive and upgrade dead train engines using sustainable technology.
The partnership has already seen three heavy haulage locomotives come to life between June and November 2024.
The global automotive and mobility company has equipped the locomotives with state-of-the-art mtu Series 4000 engines which are powered by biofuels and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and have a power range of up to 2,500Kw.
The collaboration also involves Malaysian railway engineering service providers SMH Rail which is working on the overall overhaul.
The gas in mtu engine is used in tugs and is able to deliver performance comparable to a high-speed diesel engine.
Low carbon emissions by refurbished Kenya Railways trains
The move from natural gas and fossil fuel is meant to drastically reduce emission of environmentally unfriendly carbon gases.
The revival and refurbishment of old fleets will also see Kenya Railways boost its ability to meet rising transport needs of city commuters and cargo transporters.
It is part of an initiative by Kenya Railways to revive locomotives that are over 40 years old and no longer in service.
The Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga said, “By reviving this fleet, we are confident in our -ability to meet the rising demand effectively, affordably and sustainably, contributing to the growth of our East African economy.”
“With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), we are experiencing an increase in cross-border trade. By reviving this fleet, we are confident in our ability to meet the rising demand effectively, affordably and sustainably, contributing to the growth of our East African economy,” Phillip Mainga, Kenya Railways Managing Director.
Andreas Görtz, the President Business Unit Mobile & Sustainable of Rolls-Royce Power Systems division expressed the company’s commitment to refurbishing more locomotives by replacing the engines of the old fleet and extending their operational lifespan.
“We are honoured to partner with SMH and Kenya Railways on this important, first-of-its-kind project that has already proven successful. By integrating our advanced mtu Series 4000 engines into these locomotives, we contribute to a more sustainable and efficient rail transport system in Kenya. This partnership is an excellent example of our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers.” ~ Andreas Görtz, the President Business Unit Mobile & Sustainable of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
In a press release by Kenya Railways, the company said that all new mtu diesel engines from Rolls-Royce are proven to run on 100% HVO and alternative liquid fuels.
Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa that is headquartered in Cape Town opened an office in Kenya in June 2023.
