December 26, 2013. Uralvagonzavod signed a protocol of intentions with Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), a major producer of diesel electric locomotives, in order to look into the promising directions of developing and making main haulage locomotives in Russia, the plant’s press service reports.

According to this protocol, the two companies expect to have demonstration models in Russia in 2014 so that some operation and certification tests could be carried out next year.

Besides, the protocol offers to consider the possibility of setting up a joint engineering center to design a main haulage locomotive with the capacity of 4,500 horsepower and up that will use the EMD alternating current system, the 16-710 EDM engine, and other developments, components, and engineering solutions by EMD that have stood the test of time and operated in the harshest conditions. Uralvagonzavod and Electro-Motive Diesel will also look into the possibility of localizing 50% of locomotive-making facilities in Russia.

Producing up-to-date main haulage freight locomotives in Russia also makes it possible to introduce EMD’s latest technologies in the natural gas sector.