Knorr-Bremse South Africa to Equip 90 Class 23E Locomotives with ECP Braking Systems for Transnet Coal Line

Knorr-Bremse South Africa (KBSA), a key player in railway braking solutions and part of the global Knorr-Bremse Group, has been awarded the contract to supply Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) braking systems for 90 of the 240 class 23E locomotives operating on Transnet’s coal line. The contract was awarded in November 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Originally manufactured by Bombardier—now acquired by Alstom—the 23E locomotives are being progressively upgraded to align with the operational requirements of the ECP-configured coal corridor. The ECP mandate on the coal line requires both locomotives and wagons to be equipped with ECP braking systems to ensure seamless and safe operation. Installation of the braking systems is currently underway at Transnet’s Ermelo depot.

“The ECP braking upgrade marks a critical step in modernising freight rail operations on one of the country’s most strategic rail corridors,” says Andrae Nieuwoudt, General Manager at Knorr-Bremse South Africa. “It ensures not only safer operation but also enhanced efficiency and reliability in coal haulage.”

Technology Upgrade for Safer, Smarter Rail Operations

The conversion process involves the installation and configuration of advanced ECP systems, replacing conventional mechanical braking setups. Knorr-Bremse’s ECP system uses compressed air combined with electronic control logic to manage braking more precisely and consistently across the train’s consist.

Unlike traditional systems, ECP brakes reduce in-train forces during deceleration, resulting in shorter stopping distances and significantly reduced wear and tear on components. The system allows for real-time monitoring and more effective synchronisation with other onboard technologies, such as traction and train control systems—leading to improved train handling and network performance.

The KBSA solution offers notable benefits:

1. Increased safety through faster, consistent brake application
2. Improved efficiency with shorter stopping distances
3. Reduced maintenance due to optimised in-train force distribution
4. System integration for enhanced operational control

Certified by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and approved by Transnet, KBSA’s ECP braking solution represents a step-change in freight locomotive braking standards.

Building on Proven Capability

Knorr-Bremse South Africa has a proven track record on the coal line. In 2022, the company successfully completed the upgrade of the 22E locomotive fleet for Transnet Freight Rail’s Coal Line. In the same year, KBSA equipped 100 of 200 newly built jumbo coal wagons with ECP braking. In 2006, Transnet began converting the existing coal line fleet to ECP, with KBSA playing a key role in the project.

By equipping the 23E locomotives with these advanced systems, KBSA is once again reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to Transnet and a critical enabler of safer, more efficient heavy-haul operations in South Africa.