In a groundbreaking achievement, CMB.TECH Namibia has successfully started the engine of the country's first hydrogen-powered locomotive. This milestone marks the first hydrogen dual fuel engine to be started in Africa and the first in a locomotive worldwide. A team of eight engineers from various disciplines worked tirelessly to prepare the locomotive for its maiden engine start, ensuring all systems were correctly connected and ready for commissioning.
During the initial run, the BeHydro engine idled for approximately 30 minutes while the team conducted a series of checks. These tests confirmed that the starting and fuel systems, as well as the oil and coolant circuits, were functioning as intended. Following the successful start, the engine was shut down to allow for further inspections of its components and drivetrain. The results of the first run provide a crucial basis for the next stages of commissioning and testing.
The 2 250-horsepower BeHydro dual fuel engine can operate on both diesel and green hydrogen, with the hydrogen to be produced locally at CMB.TECH Namibia's facility in Walvis Bay. This project is a strategic partnership between TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics, and CMB.TECH Namibia. TransNamib manages and operates the national rail network and freight services, while Africa Global Logistics plays a key role in freight, transport, and logistics operations across the country.
The locomotive is being assembled at the facilities of Traxtion, a South African rail engineering and refurbishment specialist. Namibia has a large fleet of idled locomotives that can be repowered with this cost-effective and future-proof technology. The project aims to establish a heavy-duty freight service running on locally produced green hydrogen, with initial trials covering 50 round trips between the Port of Walvis Bay and the Container Depot near Windhoek.
Green hydrogen for the project will be produced off-grid at CMB.TECH Namibia's hydrogen plant in Walvis Bay. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Namibia's efforts to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. The successful engine start is a critical step towards achieving this goal, enabling further commissioning and testing ahead of operational trials.
The partnership between TransNamib, Africa Global Logistics, and CMB.TECH Namibia brings together key players in Namibia's transportation and logistics sector. Africa Global Logistics manages operations at the Walvis Bay Multipurpose Bulk Terminal and operates one of Africa's largest integrated logistics networks, with a presence in over 50 countries. This collaboration is set to strengthen strategic transport corridors and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
With the first engine start completed, the project can now progress to further commissioning and testing ahead of operational trials. The successful milestone demonstrates the potential for hydrogen-powered locomotives to transform Namibia's transportation sector, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel-powered locomotives. The project's outcomes will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and environmental advocates.
Key points
- CMB.TECH Namibia's successful engine start marks the first hydrogen dual fuel engine to be started in Africa and the first in a locomotive worldwide.
- The project is a strategic partnership between TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics, and CMB.TECH Namibia.
- The locomotive will operate on locally produced green hydrogen, with initial trials covering 50 round trips between the Port of Walvis Bay and the Container Depot near Windhoek.
