Successful rollout of AutoHaul™ positions WA as global rail technology leader
03 July 2019
Rio Tinto was today joined by representatives from the government of
Western Australia and lead project
technology partner
Hitachi Rail STS to celebrate the successful
deployment of AutoHaul™, the world’s first
automated heavy-haul long
distance
rail network. AutoHaul™ trains, which deliver safety and
productivity benefits for Rio Tinto’s iron ore business, have also
firmly positioned Western Australia and its heavy-haul rail industry as
a global leader in the joint development and application of rail
technology.
Today, 2.4 kilometre long trains, monitored remotely from an operations
centre in
Perth, travel across a vast network of 1,700 kilometres of track,
delivering iron ore from 16 mines to ports in Dampier and Cape Lambert.
These trains have now safely travelled more than 4.5 million kilometres
autonomously since they were first deployed last year.
This world-first was made possible by the close collaboration with
project partners from Japan, US and Australia. These include Hitachi
Rail, Calibre,
New York Air Brake,
Wabtec and others who provided the
necessary expertise, innovation and software to make AutoHaul a success.
Several of these partners maintain a strong presence in WA and have
committed to continuing to invest locally.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director Rail, Port & Core Services Ivan
Vella said the deployment of AutoHaul™ is a reflection of the incredible
pioneering spirit of the project team and its valued partners.
“The success of AutoHaul™ would not have been possible without the
expertise, collaboration and dedication of teams within Rio Tinto and
our numerous partners. I’d also like to commend our train driving
workforce for their support and professionalism during the transition
period.
“This project has cemented Western Australia as a leader in the
heavy-haul rail industry and has attracted interest from around the
world. The successful deployment of the world’s first heavy-haul long
distance rail network demonstrates the potential for significant further
improvement in such operations with others around the world looking to
replicate.”
WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston said the AutoHaul™
project is a world-first and an example of the strength of Western
Australia’s resources industry, which continues to excel in technology
and innovation.
“I’d like to congratulate Rio Tinto, Hitachi and all the other project
partners for their hard work and dedication over the past decade to
delivering this project, which really cements our State as a global
leader in rail technology.
“AutoHaul™ has brought the rail freight industry in this country into
the 21st century and is rightfully the subject of global interest. I’d
also like to mention that the development of the world’s biggest robot
is such a success because of the contribution from Western Australia’s
skilled engineers and innovative workers.”
Michele Fracchiolla, President Americas and APAC Business Unit, Hitachi
Rail STS said: “Hitachi Rail STS is extremely proud of the lead
technical and delivery role it played in enabling the deployment of the
world’s first fully-autonomous heavy haul, long distance rail
operation.”
“This is a new technical benchmark for the freight rail industry
worldwide and the result of a long-established and collaborative
partnership between Rio Tinto and Hitachi Rail STS. Now that the trains
are running autonomously, the levels of continuous improvement that can
be achieved in safety, operational efficiency and sustainability are
endless, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Rio Tinto
to enhance the AutoHaul™ system.”
Early results from the deployment of AutoHaul™ highlight the
technology’s potential to improve productivity, increase flexibility and
reduce bottlenecks in Rio Tinto’s iron ore system. Rio Tinto’s Pilbara
operations are being transformed to flex in line with market conditions
and AutoHaul™ is a vital component in increasing flexibility and safety
in the system.
Notes to editors
The $940 million AutoHaul™ programme uses automated trains to transport iron ore to Rio Tinto’s port facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, monitored from 1,500 kilometres away in Perth. Rio Tinto operates about 200 locomotives on what is the largest privately-owned rail network in Australia. In December, the deployment of software on Rio Tinto’s locomotives was completed.
Autonomous trains improve safety through reduced risk at level crossings and automated responses to speed restrictions and alarms. AutoHaul™ also removes the need for almost 1.5 million kilometres of road travel per year previously required to transport drivers to and from trains mid-journey.
All locomotives are fitted with AutoHaul™ safety systems including:
Collision Detection Systems (CDS) Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology controls train speed to ensure adherence to speed limits An on-board video camera to record the front view from the train.
The average return distance of these trains is about 800 kilometres with the average journey cycle, including loading and dumping, taking about 40 hours. Locomotives carrying AutoHaul™ software are fitted with on-board cameras allowing for constant monitoring from the Operations Centre in Perth. All public rail crossings on the network are fitted with CCTV cameras and have been upgraded to the highest safety standards.
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Source: Rio Tinto - www.riotinto.com
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