CBH adds new locomotives to strengthen grain supply chain
The new engines are intended to boost reliability, safety and operational efficiency on CBH’s narrow-gauge lines that move grain from the Wheatbelt to port.
AUSTRALIA – CBH Group has marked a major milestone in the expansion of its grain logistics network following the arrival of seven new narrow-gauge locomotives in Western Australia, strengthening the co-operative’s capacity to move grain efficiently from regional receival sites to export terminals.
The seven locomotives arrived in Western Australia in early April 2026 from Wabtec Corporation’s manufacturing facility in Contagem, Brazil.
After being unloaded at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, they were transported to Aurizon’s Forrestfield yard, where commissioning work is under way.
The latest delivery brings the number of new narrow-gauge locomotives received by CBH to 10, following the arrival of the first three units in January.
A further seven locomotives are scheduled to arrive in June, completing the 17-unit narrow-gauge order.
The new fleet comprises CM20ACi dual-cab, diesel-electric locomotives manufactured by Wabtec.
CBH originally entered an agreement with Wabtec in 2023 to acquire the 17 locomotives as part of its Path to 2033 strategy.
At the time, CBH said the investment would expand its rail fleet and support the co-operative’s long-term supply-chain requirements.
CBH has already begun testing the new equipment under operating conditions. Three of the locomotives completed live trials on Western Australia’s freight rail network, travelling through the South West to Coolup, Pinjarra and Wellard.
CBH reported that the trials were successful, and the locomotives were subsequently moved to Avon for follow-up work. The testing is intended to validate locomotive performance before the units enter broader commercial operations.
The locomotive investment forms part of a wider expansion of CBH’s rail infrastructure.
The co-operative is also acquiring 650 new grain wagons, with more than 500 already delivered and the remainder expected during 2026.
In addition, Progress Rail is manufacturing seven new standard-gauge locomotives, expected to arrive later in the year.
CBH said the expanded rail capability is central to its ambition under the Path to 2033 strategy to develop the capacity to export three million tonnes of grain per month.
Increased rail capacity is expected to improve the movement of grain from country receival sites to ports, particularly during peak harvest periods when logistics networks face intense demand.
The investment comes alongside upgrades at individual CBH sites, including the Milling receival facility, where infrastructure improvements are expected to double site capacity and streamline grain handling.
Together, the rail and receival investments aim to create a more efficient and resilient grain supply chain for Western Australian growers.
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