The largest battery electric locomotive has reached Australia, Progress Rail said on Friday. In Progress Rail’s statement on LinkedIn, the manufacturer says its EMD SD70J-BB has arrived at Port Hedland for customer Fortescue.

Largest battery electric locomotive arrives for Fortescue
Photo: Progress Rail

Progress Rail EMD SD70J-BB: arrival and core specs

Progress Rail describes the Progress Rail EMD SD70J-BB as the world’s largest battery electric locomotive, a point also noted by Railway Supply. The battery-powered unit weighs 265 tons and carries a 14.5 megawatt-hour energy storage system.

Fortescue net zero emissions plan and iron-ore operations

Progress Rail says the locomotive supports Fortescue’s net zero emissions plan across its operations by 2030. The unit will help power Fortescue’s iron-ore unit trains in Western Australia, in line with Fortescue’s Real Zero plan.

Manufacturing in Brazil and the shipping route to Western Australia

As outlined by Progress Rail, the locomotive was manufactured in Brazil and left Sete Lagoas on a ship. From there, it travelled around South Africa on its way to Western Australia.

In a post on X, Progress Rail said it aims to tackle customers’ toughest challenges with advanced technologies that deliver performance, reliability, and efficiency.

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