Port of Newcastle has taken the first shipment of new passenger trains for the Sydney network.
It was a delicate operation headed by Port and Newcastle. New passenger trains unloaded by crane, placed on rail, before being towed by locomotive to Cardiff, to be prepared before heading to Sydney.
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It was a delicate operation headed by the Port of Newcastle.
Sydney’s newly built passenger trains unloaded by crane, placed on rail, before being towed by locomotive to Cardiff, to be prepared before heading to the NSW capital.
With its unique direct-to-rail capability and superior rail infrastructure connections, the Port of Newcastle was able to take the first shipment of trains for the Sydney network.
AAL Hong Kong — a 193 metre general cargo ship built in 2013 — arrived on the weekend carrying two Waratah Series 2 trains, each with eight carriages.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said Newcastle has a key advantage.
“Being able to unload this type of rolling stock cargo directly onto rail lines immediately next to the ship, without the need for any unnecessary truck movements,” Mr Carmody said.
“We continue to work closely with customers and service providers across a range of industries to deliver the smoothest and most efficient supply chain for their cargo, particularly where it makes use of the Hunter’s enviable rail network.
“This type of port trade is consistent with our diversification strategy to broaden the mix of cargo handled and help ensure the Hunter Region’s long-term prosperity.”
Delivered by Downer, the Sydney Growth Trains project is part of the NSW Government’s $4.3 billion ‘More Trains, More Services program’.
The first stage of the program was completed in late 2018, which saw 24 new passenger trains delivered onto Sydney’s passenger rail network.
The second stage, over the next eight months, will see a further 15 trains shipped via the Port of Newcastle.
The Port of Newcastle plays an integral role in the Sydney Growth Trains program according to Downer CEO Grant Fenn.
“The SGT Project has built very successful and collaborative relationships in regional hubs like Newcastle,” Mr Fenn said.
“Downer values its operations in regional cities and our role in supporting local economies.”
Leading global logistics company Rhenus Group co-ordinated the international ocean and rail freight, while Rhenus Australia worked closely with Downer when the vessel docked at Newcastle this week.
The next shipment of trains is due to dock in Port of Newcastle in early August.