KiwiRail EF Locomotives Win Global Engineering Award
05.11.2025
KiwiRail’s EF class locomotives have been globally recognized for the innovation that has been brought together through investment by the New Zealand Government in its new rail network.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
KiwiRail Showcases Innovation and Heritage
KiwiRail’s EF electric locomotives received international acclaim for their unique engineering heritage and contribution to a cleaner environment. KiwiRail received a prestigious Engineering Heritage Award from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of a significant milestone in the innovation of railways.
Don’t miss…Chennai Metro Boosts Safety with Smart Door Tech
EF Class of trains was developed in the 1980s as a result of a collaboration between British technology and New Zealand’s operational demands. This technology produced a highly capable electric train designed to draw large freight loads in a manner that utilized renewable power sources.
KiwiRail Invests in Modernization and Sustainability
In 2018, the New Zealand Government spent NZ $35 million, while KiwiRail also poured funds to improve its entire EF fleet. This renovation also involved improving mechanicals and electronics so that they could continue to serve for a decade more.
In New Zealand, Waikato firm Loop Technologies upgraded core systems to make them more efficient and safer. At KiwiRail’s Hutt Workshops/Palmerston North repair shop, outright upgrades of locomotives involved new regenerative braking systems that feed power back into the national grid, with all fifteen upgraded units scheduled to be completed by late 2025, while a total of twelve have been completed so far.
David Gordon, the Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer, said that good design, proper maintenance, and savvy investment have been extended in terms of extending the lifespan of KiwiRail’s train fleet to over forty years.
To celebrate this occasion, a heritage plaque will be mounted on each locomotive by IMechE. Dr. Thiruchelvam handed out the first plaque of this event to Mr. Taylor, KiwiRail’s General Manager of Engineering and Asset Services.
This accomplishment puts the EF class as one of the top achievements of IMechE since 1984, as it recognizes innovation and responsible use of infrastructure. This showcases how innovation in engineering is crucial in making a cleaner and more robust transport system in the future.
Source: www.railexpress.com.au
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is the KiwiRail EF class locomotive?
The KiwiRail EF class is a heavy-duty electric locomotive built in the 1980s to run on renewable energy and support long-term sustainable freight operations.
How did KiwiRail receive the Engineering Heritage Award?
KiwiRail earned the award from IMechE for the EF fleet’s engineering innovation, longevity, and contribution to New Zealand’s rail modernization.
When will KiwiRail complete the EF class upgrade program?
According to KiwiRail, all 15 locomotives will be fully refurbished and returned to service by late 2025, with enhanced efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit
