Thailand: Low-Emissions Shunting Locomotives Feasibility Study
May 9, 2024
- July 9, 2024
The State Railway of Thailand (“SRT”) invites submissions of qualifications and proposal data(collectively referred to as the “Proposal”) from interested U.S. firms that are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to conduct a Feasibility Study (“FS”) related to the proposed acquisition of a fleet of low or zero emissions shunting locomotives and development of related charging infrastructure needed to replace traditional diesel-electric shunting locomotives (“Project”) in Thailand (“Host Country”). The Proposal submission deadline is July 9, 2024 at Noon EDT / 11 p.m. Bangkok time. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a US $1,130,320 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
About the Grantee
SRT is the state-owned rail operator in Thailand under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport. SRT operates over 2,500 miles of track across Thailand, including both passenger and freight rail services.
Project Background
The operation of long-distance trains at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal requires the movement of trains from the railyard to the station platform, a distance of approximately three miles in one direction. SRT estimates that there will be nearly 120 one-way trips along the three-mile track at the station each day. Currently, SRT uses its fleet of GE UM12C diesel-electric locomotives for shunting purposes. While the locomotives have performed well for their age, they are aging and may need to be overhauled or replaced in the coming years. More importantly, the use of the diesel-electric shunting locomotive, which produces fine particulate matter, air pollutants, and noise at higher decibels, is not well suited for the design of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. In particular, the platforms in the station are partially enclosed, creating a ventilation issue that, if unmitigated, exposes waiting passengers to air and noise pollution during shunter operations.
In an effort to mitigate the air and noise pollution issues associated with current shunting operations, and in line with the Thai government’s decarbonization objectives, SRT seeks to acquire approximately 36 low or zero-emissions shunters for use at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and other stations and railyards throughout Thailand. It is expected that 20 low-emission shunters would be utilized at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, while 16 would be placed outside of Bangkok. SRT is considering two main approaches for the Project: either upgrading its existing diesel-electric shunting locomotives by retrofitting a battery system,or procuring new battery-powered or other low-emission shunters.
About the Feasibility Study
The FS will support SRT in assessing the viability of acquiring a fleet of low or zero-emissions shunting locomotives and developing related charging infrastructure needed to replace traditional diesel-electric shunters in Thailand. While the FS will focus on Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, where a majority of the shunting locomotives are expected to be deployed, the FS will also consider other stations and depots throughout Thailand where low-emission shunting locomotives could be utilized. The FS will evaluate which
low-emissions locomotive technology—battery-electric or hydrogen—is the best option for the Project and determine whether procuring new or retrofitting existing shunting locomotives is most economically and technically viable. The FS will also evaluate other system retrofits, upgrades, and modifications that are necessary to support the operation and maintenance of the new locomotives and associated infrastructure. The FS will culminate in a comprehensive technical design package for the Project, including technical specifications and tender documents, that can be utilized for procurement purposes.
