Hydrogen-powered freight train in Namibia: KBB turbocharger in action
Another milestone on the road to sustainable heavy goods transport in Africa: BeHydro’s dual-fuel hydrogen combustion engine has been successfully integrated into Namibia’s first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive. The locomotive will be deployed on the Walvis Bay–Windhoek route and powered by locally produced green hydrogen.
Turbochargers from KBB are being used to boost the BeHydro engines (a joint venture between ABC and CMB.TECH). These high-performance systems support the efficient and reliable operation of the innovative hydrogen engines, thereby making a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of rail transport.
Proven engine technology meets
hydrogen innovation
The project impressively demonstrates how modern engine and turbocharger technology can accelerate the transition to climate-friendly transport solutions. The BeHydro engines used are based on Anglo Belgian Corporation nv’s many years of experience in the field of medium-speed heavy-duty engines for rail, marine and energy applications.
Particularly noteworthy is the high flexibility of the BeHydro dual-fuel engines used: they can be operated with up to 85% hydrogen and 15% diesel or HVO and are specifically designed for demanding heavy-duty applications. At the same time, the engines meet modern safety and emissions standards and allow for the use of less highly purified hydrogen.
Turbocharging Technology for the
Next Generation of Engines
For KBB, this project underscores the central role of high-performance turbochargers in the next generation of alternative propulsion systems. Especially in hydrogen-based internal combustion engines, high efficiency, precise air supply, and maximum reliability are crucial factors for economical operation under extreme conditions.
Further assembly is currently underway at Traxtion’s facilities in South Africa. The operational testing phase of the project will follow. The initiative is a collaboration between CMB.TECH Namibia, TRANSNAMIB LIMITED, and Africa Global Logistics – a forward-looking project for climate-friendly mobility and sustainable infrastructure in Africa.