Norfolk Southern Corporation has signed a contract with Wabtec Corporation for the modernisation and upgrading of 33 DC-traction Evolution Series locomotives.

During the upgrade, the units will be converted from DC to AC-traction technology to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency, and fitted with upgraded control systems and advanced digital technologies.

After conversion, the units will be designated as ES44ACMs, and will have improved adhesion and hauling performance, especially in demanding operating conditions.

A side benefit will be that the upgraded locomotives will have higher productivity and require lower lifecycle maintenance, whilst enhanced diagnostics and maintenance planning will improve fleet reliability.

Wabtec is undertaking the modernisation work at its US facilities, and the first upgraded locomotive was delivered to Norfolk Southern this month.

The remaining locomotives will follow, with deliveries continuing through next year.

Wabtec ES44DC locomotives were originally launched in 2004, with Norfolk Southern being the first railroad to use them.

Since 2015, Wabtec and Norfolk Southern have together undertaken one of North America’s largest locomotive modernisation programmes, with over 1,000 locomotives having been upgraded.

An additional benefit of the conversion programme is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable freight rail network.

Brian Barr, Norfolk Southern Chief Operating Officer, commented that the investment will improve reliability, increase efficiency, and extend locomotive life, and will help to deliver a safe, dependable service for customers. Norfolk Southern is working with Wabtec to invest in technologies that improve fleet performance and maximise the value of existing assets.

Norfolk Southern is currently going through a merger process with Union Pacific, with additional customer protections recently being offered beyond those included in the original merger application. Norfolk Southern is also noted for its philanthropy and has a record of corporate giving, such as in 2023 when it donated $18.2m (£14.3m) to organisations across the 22 states in which the company then operated.

“This new modernisation program underscores the strength of our longstanding partnership with Norfolk Southern and our shared focus on delivering operational value. By combining innovative technology, engineering excellence, and deep service expertise, we’re helping our customer maximise the value of their assets while positioning their fleet for the future.”

Sameer Gaur, President of Freight Services, Wabtec