KUALA LUMPUR: SMH Rail's H10 Series, the first Malaysian-built "green" locomotives, are ready to be handed over to Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).

SMH Rail chairman and managing director Datuk PK Nara said it is confident that the locomotives will bring positive enhancements to the African rail cargo industry.

SMH Rail believes as it moves forward with concerted efforts, the company will not only be able to boost Malaysian-African relations but further drive economic empowerment through export.

"We thanked Exim Bank of Malaysia for its relentless support in financing the project despite the challenging pandemic conditions.

"The future of rail, driven by innovation in engineering and technology will enable the railways to achieve safety milestones whilst maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced global economy to be among the most energy-efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers," he said in a statement.

Launched in August, SMH Rail said the first batch of the  H10 Series locomotives will be received by TRC, and the momentous occasion will be graced by the Works and Transport Minister of Tanzania, Prof. Makame M. Mbarawa.

"These locomotives were built for use by African freight operators with TRC as the launch customer.

"Energy-efficient and eco-designed, the 'H10 Series' diesel-electric locomotives will meet the Tanzanian Government railroad's unique operational needs through seamless connectivity and enhanced accessibility," it added.

The rail industry can provide substantial benefits for the energy sector through fuel consumption as well as for the environment.

The 'H10 Series' locomotives not only advance SMH Rail's exportability but also further enhance Malaysia's efforts to bridge connectivity, increase supply chain access, accelerate industrialisation and promote cross-border trade.

According to Nara, driving mobility with a human touch is the company's business ethos.

He said in rail sustainability, by diversifying energy sources with efficiency in mobility, railways can lower transport energy use; reduce carbon dioxide and local pollutant emissions.

"The future of rail, driven by innovation in engineering and technology will enable the railways to achieve safety milestones whilst maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast paced global economy to be amongst the most energy efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers," he added.