STAFF WRITER
Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme spokesperson Jona Musheko says progress by CMB.TECH Namibia in developing a green hydrogen-powered locomotive could transform the southern African railway network.
Musheko told Namibia Business Review this week that the latest developments signal that Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions are beginning to yield tangible results and could unlock future economic opportunities.
“It is encouraging to see positive developments from CMB.TECH Namibia. The announcement highlights the real possibilities of the initiatives we have been discussing over the past three years. If the pilot phase is successful, we could see a transformation of the rail industry not only in Namibia but across the region as countries continue trading with one another,” he said.
According to CMB.TECH Namibia, the country’s first green hydrogen-powered locomotives are currently being assembled at the facilities of Traxtion, a South African rail engineering and refurbishment specialist.
The company said Namibia’s large idle fleet of locomotives can potentially be repowered using cost-effective, future-ready technology, with the first rollout expected later this year.
The initiative stems from a strategic partnership between three companies with strong roots in Namibia: TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics (AGL), and CMB.TECH Namibia.
“As Namibia’s national rail operator, TransNamib is responsible for managing and operating the country’s rail network and freight services. As a key player in Namibia’s transport infrastructure, the company is exploring modernisation pathways, including repowering its existing locomotive fleet with innovative technologies such as dual-fuel hydrogen systems,” the company said in a statement.
Africa Global Logistics is an established logistics operator in Namibia, playing a significant role in freight, transport and logistics operations across the country, with a 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 more than 50 countries connecting ports, trade corridors and multimodal supply chains.
“These partners will operate Namibia’s first heavy-duty freight service powered by locally produced green hydrogen. During the trial period, 50 round trips will be undertaken between the Port of Walvis Bay and the Container Depot near Windhoek, with the option to extend operations,” the statement said.
Green hydrogen for the project will be produced off-grid at CMB.TECH Namibia’s hydrogen plant in Walvis Bay, demonstrating how green hydrogen can be integrated into an existing logistics corridor.
The locomotive is equipped with a BeHydro dual-fuel hydrogen combustion engine. BeHydro — a joint venture between CMB.TECH and Anglo Belgian Corporation — develops hydrogen engines for marine, railway and power applications, offering both dual-fuel and 100% hydrogen configurations.
CMB.TECH said the BeHydro engine range is also suited for tractive power, making it suitable for repowered locomotives operating on non-electrified rail lines.
“The locomotive retains full functionality at all times. Even if the hydrogen system becomes unexpectedly unavailable, the locomotive automatically continues operating on conventional fuel. This ensures maximum reliability and gives operators the confidence to integrate hydrogen into their operations without compromising service continuity,” the statement said.
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