Aurizon has set a new record for the longest ever coal train sent through Queensland.
The company has sent a 2.3 kilometre, 136 wagon train through the Central Queensland Coal Network, which carried 11,000 tonnes of coal to the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET).
The average Aurizon train consists of around 100 wagons and a payload of about 8500 tonnes of coal.
"The successful maiden run of this record-breaking coal train is a positive sign of things to come when we commence railings to WICET in earnest next month,” executive VP of Aurizon operations Mike Franczak said.
“We’re moving more tonnes, on larger trains, from mine to port as we drive improved efficiency across the coal supply chain,” he said.
“This is an excellent outcome for customers, our supply chain partners and the Queensland coal industry generally.
“We have achieved this through innovative operational improvements in Queensland over recent years, including lifting payloads, improving locomotive reliability and better on-time performance.
“The drive to improve train payloads at Aurizon draws on the very best available technology and innovation in the areas of train marshalling, train handling and track/train dynamics. This ensures that as we improve capacity and productivity, we are also reducing in-train forces, making for a safer, more energy-efficient mode of transportation.
The coal will be used as bedding to establish the stockpiles at the terminal as it prepares for its first shipments of coal.