Chile: The private rail network FCAB has reported the successful completion of the tests for the CRRC shunting locomotive and of staff training. The company is now completing the launch of the hydrogen generation facilities.
The operation of the vehicle will begin in the Antofagasta port. FCAB claims to be the first company on the continent to use hydrogen rolling stock.
The order for the locomotive was placed in November 2022 and the vehicle was delivered to the operator this summer. According to CRRC, the hydrogen shunting locomotive is capable of hauling trainsets of up to 1,000 t over a distance of about 400 km. It is powered by hydrogen fuel cells with a total output of 400 kW or a battery pack totalling 600 kW. The vehicle will be deployed in an environment that includes salt fog and sandstorms.
