TransNamib has partnered with defense manufacturer WMF to restore its aging fleet, beginning with a $17.5M investment in locomotive refurbishment and broader modernization efforts. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed that TransNamib and Windhoeker Maschinenfabrik (WMF) signed a memorandum of understanding in April to launch this partnership. The initiative officially started in July and will span three to five years.

TransNamib Launches Rail Fleet Restoration
Photo: the Brief/ Windhoeker Maschinenfabrik

WMF, owned by the Namibian Defence Force, has committed to restoring what it describes as “critical national railway assets.” The company emphasized its long-term strategic alignment with TransNamib’s operational goals.

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TransNamib Invests in Long-Term Fleet Restoration

Earlier this year, TransNamib CEO Desmond van Jaarsveld detailed plans to overhaul seven locomotives at a cost of $17.5M. He noted that each locomotive will be completely disassembled into 110 parts.

Each component—from turbochargers to engines—requires three to four months for individual restoration. Once reassembled, these locomotives are expected to serve another 20 years, significantly extending their lifecycle.

This meticulous work reflects the operator’s shift toward deep, sustainable refurbishment instead of piecemeal repairs. And it showcases Namibia’s effort to leverage domestic expertise in infrastructure renewal.

TransNamib Secures $150M in Infrastructure Funding

The project gained momentum after TransNamib received a $150M credit facility in June 2024. The funds came from the Development Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

In addition to restoring rolling stock, the funds will support the acquisition of 23 new locomotives, workshop modernization, and upgrades to signaling equipment.

TransNamib allocated $96M from the total package to purchase new engines, enhancing reliability and freight logistics across the national network.

The partnership with WMF not only revitalizes the railway sector but also reinforces public-private cooperation in strategic infrastructure. This reflects Namibia’s commitment to building resilient and efficient transport systems.

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