More than 1300 specially designed logging cassettes are in operation across KiwiRail’s network to increase capacity when transporting logs for export.
The distinctive yellow and blue, 20-foot cassettes, developed and built by Royal Wolf in partnership with KiwiRail, can be loaded onto different types of railway wagons to increase compatibility and efficiency.
In 2020 an initial fleet of 484 cassettes were launched to replace KiwiRail’s old log wagons which were designed to only carry logs. The latest roll out includes a further 900 cassettes.
“We’re all about solving business challenges through innovative solutions,” says Hamish Taylor, National Manager – Intermodal for Royal Wolf.
“The cassettes provide a way for KiwiRail to convert container wagons semi-permanently to logging wagons which significantly increases efficiencies. It’s essential for companies to reduce costs without compromising on quality and we help them do that with highly efficient solutions.”
Royal Wolf worked closely with KiwiRail to develop a prototype of the cassette, followed by a small batch of containers, and finally the manufacture of the first run of the product in 2020.
KiwiRail Programme Director Rollingstock Procurement – Capital Projects and Asset Development Chrissy Farago says the cassettes allow KiwiRail to standardise its wagon fleet yet have the versatility to carry logs.
“The cassettes are in use throughout the North Island and are currently being rolled out in the Bay of Plenty as we modernise our fleet with higher payload wagons.
“This is the second project we have partnered with Royal Wolf on to convert container wagons to carry non-containerised freight.”
Royal Wolf is the leading provider of shipping container solutions in Australasia, from high volume fit for purpose storage containers for hire, through to tailored modications.
