Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) says it has achieved a global freight rail milestone, safely operating a 696-wagon empty train on the Iron Ore Export Line from Saldanha Bay, in the Western Cape, to the Northern Cape.

The train reached Loop 18 on October 18, successfully completing the journey of the longest train ever compiled and operated on the corridor, and establishing a new world record for freight rail operations.

The achievement demonstrates the engineering expertise, operational excellence and innovation that continue to position the Iron Ore Export Line among the world’s leading heavy-haul rail systems, while generating valuable technical insights to support the future evolution of rail operations, the entity says in a statement.

The initiative was led by TFR’s Train Design Technology and Operations teams in collaboration with Transnet Engineering, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and the Railway Safety Regulator.

The exercise was undertaken as a dynamic train evaluation programme with the dual objective of pursuing a world record and advancing technical knowledge in train design, train handling and operational performance.

The record train comprised 696 empty CR13/14 wagons configured in a Radio Distributed Power (RDP) arrangement and hauled by a combination of Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel-electric locomotives.

Through RDP technology, locomotives positioned throughout the train operate as a synchronised unit, enabling the controlled distribution of traction and braking forces across the train’s entire length.

This advanced technology is highlighted as critical in managing the significant longitudinal forces generated by trains of this scale, ensuring safe train handling, enhanced operational stability and reduced stress on both rolling stock and rail infrastructure.

“The successful operation of this train demonstrates the depth of engineering expertise, operational excellence and innovation that exists within TFR,” says TFR CE Russell Baatjies.

“While setting a world record is a significant achievement, the real value lies in the technical knowledge and operational insights gained through this exercise. These learnings will contribute to the continued advancement of rail operations, support innovation and strengthen our freight rail capability into the future,” he adds.

The operation was preceded by extensive planning, modelling and simulation work conducted by Train Design Technology specialists, TFR points out.

Teams assessed train dynamics, locomotive placement, route readiness, operating strategies, communication protocols and infrastructure requirements to ensure the safe movement of the train.

Specialist personnel accompanied the train throughout its journey to monitor train-handling performance and operational behaviour.

Also, locomotive data collected during the run will be analysed against simulation results to validate performance models and further enhance TFR’s operating capability.