Wabtec (NYSE) finalised a long-term Material and Technical Support Agreement (MTSA) with Transnet Engineering to support Transnet’s Class D43 and D44 locomotives. The deal, valued at approximately $390 million, is expected to enhance the availability and reliability of the railway’s locomotive fleet.
“This agreement supports our Reinvent for Growth strategy and represents an important step in improving the performance of our locomotive fleet,” said Transnet Engineering Chief Executive Ms Bessie Mabunda. “The D43 and D44 locomotives serve critical freight corridors that move export commodities, containers and general freight across South Africa. Strengthening their reliability and availability will help improve service delivery, support freight recovery and enhance the country’s logistics competitiveness.”
Wabtec will provide Transnet Engineering with components, technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities, including its Expert-on-Alert™ digital condition monitoring platform, to support Transnet’s D43 and D44 fleets. These solutions will help improve locomotive performance, accelerate maintenance turnaround times and strengthen fleet lifecycle management.
“Transnet is making strategic investments to strengthen the reliability, efficiency and long-term performance of its rail network,” said Sameer Gaur, President of Wabtec’s Global Freight Services. “This MTSA builds on our shared commitment to improving fleet availability, enhancing customer confidence and creating a more competitive freight logistics network that supports trade and industrialisation.”
Wabtec and Transnet Engineering’s working relationship will extend beyond maintenance support to include technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and localisation initiatives. These efforts will help develop rail industry skills, strengthen local capabilities and support the long-term growth of South Africa’s rail sector.
Original source: Wabtec – 2 November 2026: Services agreement with Transnet Engineering
