GE Transportation (Erie, Pennsylvania) (www.getransportation.com) and Ukrainian Railways recently celebrated the first GE Evolution Series locomotive to be built as part of a framework agreement signed earlier this year.

It is the first of 30 locomotives that are being built this year in support of the railroad’s effort to upgrade its fleet.

Other items of ‘exploration’ under the framework agreement include additional locomotives over 10 years, the modernisation of locomotives in the railway’s legacy fleet, and long-term maintenance services.

Yevgen Kravtsov, acting chairman of the management board of Ukrainian Railways, said: “This locomotive represents the next step in Ukraine’s long working relationship with GE.

“Our partnership will not only upgrade our fleet, but also modernise Ukraine’s transportation infrastructure and ensure Ukraine’s export potential. It also will spur local economic development and job growth.”

Production of parts for the first 30 locomotives is taking place in the USA, with final assembly and other work taking place in Ukraine, to bolster job creation and economic development in the country.

The TE33A locomotive features a 12-cylinder 4,500hp Evolution Series engine. Compared to the legacy Ukrainian fleet of locomotives, the TE33A will significantly reduce harmful emissions, cut fuel and oil costs, and increase the time between maintenance overhauls.

The new locomotives will support the significant demand for Ukrainian commodities. Ukraine is a top-10 global producer of wheat and corn, as well as a top-15 steel producer.

With over 90% of the country’s current diesel locomotive fleet past its planned service life, the framework agreement provides an opportunity to improve network capacity and boost exports to global markets.