Staff Writer
CMB.TECH Namibia’s has said the engine start for Namibia’s first hydrogen-powered locomotive represents an important step in the project’s development.
It is the first hydrogen dual fuel engine to be started in Africa and the first hydrogen dual fuel engine to be started in a locomotive worldwide.
The company revealed that a combined team of eight electrical, mechanical and software engineers, together with the engine commissioning engineer, worked into the night to prepare the locomotive for its first engine start.
The team ensured that all systems were correctly connected and ready for commissioning, the company said.
During the initial run, the BeHydro engine idled for approximately 30 minutes while the team carried out a series of checks.
These confirmed that the starting and fuel systems, as well as the oil and coolant circuits, were functioning as intended, the company said.
The company added that the engine was then shut down to allow for further inspections of its components and drivetrain.
The results of the first run provide an important basis for the next stages of commissioning and testing, the company said.
This 2 250-horsepower BeHydro dual fuel engine can operate on both diesel and green hydrogen, with the hydrogen to be produced locally at CMB.TECH Namibia’s facility in Walvis Bay.
“With the first engine start completed, the project can now progress to further commissioning and testing ahead of operational trials,” the company said.
CMB.TECH Namibia is being assembled at the facilities of Traxtion, a South African rail engineering and refurbishment specialist.
Namibia has a large fleet of idled locomotives that can be repowered with this cost-effective and future proof technology.
The project is the result of a strategic partnership between three companies firmly rooted in Namibia including TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics and CMB.TECH Namibia.
TransNamib is responsible for managing and operating the national rail network and freight services.
Africa Global Logistics (AGL) is an established logistics operator active in Namibia, playing a key role in freight, transport and logistics operations across the country, with a strong focus on strengthening strategic transport corridors.
AGL also manages operations at the Walvis Bay Multipurpose Bulk Terminal and operates one of Africa’s largest integrated logistics networks, with a presence in over 50 countries connecting ports, corridors and multimodal supply chains.
These partners will operate Namibia’s first heavy‑duty freight service running on locally produced green hydrogen.
Initially, 50 round trips will be covered between the Port of Walvis Bay and the Container Depot near Windhoek during the trial period, with the option to extend operations.
Green hydrogen for the project will be produced off‑grid at CMB.TECH Namibia’s hydrogen plant in Walvis Bay.
