The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

UWC ship grain hopper cars for Eskom-Agro

(Posted on 21/09/20)

Research and production corporation “United Wagon Company”, Russia’s largest manufacturer of freight cars , will ship a batch of model 19-9549 hopper cars to the fleet of the Eskom-Agro commercial enterprise by the end of September 2020. The shipment will be made under an agreement on the purchase of new generation rolling stock, with the deal being financed by RSHB Leasing (part of Russian Agricultural Bank).

The model 19-9549 hopper car is equipped with bogies with a higher axle load (25 t) and has an increased body volume (120 m3), making it possible to use the car’s entire load capacity (76 t), including when transporting lightweight freight. The hopper car is designed to transport a wide range of grain and grain mill products, providing additional loading of up to 6 tonnes per car (compared with standard models). Thanks to the higher loads, the car fleet size can be reduced by up to 15%, in turn providing cost savings on car maintenance and freight transportation. The hopper car is compatible with all types of loading and unloading terminals, while the loading hatches provide for even distribution of freight inside the body and reduce load times.

Thanks to the improved operational reliability of the bogie, the model 19-9549 hopper has an increased maintenance interval of up to 1 million km (or eight years). Standard models are sent for their first depot repair after running 210,000 km (or three years after construction) with subsequent repairs carried out every 110,000–160,000 km (or three years).

Andrey Sokolov, Director of Eskom-Agro: “One of our company’s main objectives is reducing expenditure, including in the logistics of freight transportation. The new generation cars are now established as the most efficient rolling stock on the market. We are delighted to be able to add to our fleet with UWC cars.”

Alexander Kozhevnikov, CEO of RSHB Leasing: “This year, the leasing company RSHB Leasing has joined Russian Agricultural Bank, with the bank now able to count numerous leasing products among its product line. Leasing is one of the most convenient and accessible long-term investment tools for property acquisition. We are grateful to Eskom-Agro and the UWC railway group for choosing our company as financial partner in this deal. We plan to grow our portfolio in the rail transportation segment further.”

PJSC “Research and production corporation “United Wagon Company” is a leading railway holding focused on design, manufacture and maintenance of freight cars UWC’s annual production capacity is up to 22,000 freight cars and 90,000 tons of railway castings.