Brief
Transnet Freight Rail runs 696‑wagon iron‑ore train, setting new record
The record run tested train handling and gathered data for future capacity upgrades.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) operated a 696‑wagon empty train on the Iron Ore Export Line on 18 October 2026, marking the longest train run on the corridor, according to bizcommunity.com.
The train, composed of CR13/14 wagons in a Radio Distributed Power (RDP) configuration, travelled from Saldanha to the Northern Cape, reaching Loop 18. It was hauled by a mix of Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel‑electric locomotives, with locomotives distributed throughout the consist to synchronise traction and braking.
TFR’s Train Design Technology and Operations teams, together with Transnet Engineering, Trim and the Railway Safety Regulator, oversaw the dynamic train evaluation programme that included extensive planning, modelling and on‑site monitoring.
Chief executive Russell Baatjies said the exercise demonstrated TFR’s engineering expertise and will provide technical insights to improve future rail operations.
Key facts
- The train consisted of 696 empty CR13/14 wagons. (bizcommunity.com)
- It ran from Saldanha to the Northern Cape, reaching Loop 18 on 18 Oct 2026. (bizcommunity.com)
- Locomotives used were Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel‑electric units in an RDP setup. (bizcommunity.com)
- Russell Baatjies, TFR chief executive, said the run showed engineering expertise. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Transnet Freight Rail sets record with 696-wagon iron ore train”
