OREANDA-NEWS. January 30, 2013. Bryansk Engineering Plant (BMZ, incorporated in CJSC Tranamashholding) passed two first TEM18V shunting diesel locomotives equipped with engines of Wartsila (Finland) production to representatives of JSC Russian Railways.

New diesel locomotives were delivered to October Railway. Over 2013, RZD is to receive 30 more of such locomotives.

TEM18V diesel locomotive is designed on the base of the well-proven TEM18DM locomotive. A number of alternations is made to the basic design, 882 kW Wartsila diesel-electric engine was integrated. TEM18V locomotives are distinguished by the enhanced power-pack reliability and reduced impact on the environment, as compared with locomotives of previous generations.

The first diesel locomotive is built in 2011. It passed production, field, certification and acceptance tests successfully. The locomotive was certified by the Federal Railway Transport Certification Register (RC FRT) thus making it possible to produce the pilot batch of 25 locomotives. The second locomotive was assembled at the end of 2012.

The system to heat up the engine heat transfer agent was built in ensuring that the optimum engine temperature is maintained whilst idle. This provides for fuel economy during winter layovers. Specialists underline that at average operating load, TEM18V is by ca. 30 percent more fuel-efficient than Czech diesel locomotives CzME3 massively operated on railways.

Manufacturing of Wartsila design engines to equip TEM18V locomotives is planned be deployed in Penza at the new Joint Venture plant. Engine production launch is scheduled for August 2013.