New Korean freight locomotives
posted on 12th Aug 2026 16:03
In 2025, Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation) has ordered the at South Korean manufacturer Romansys of Changwon new dieselelectric freight locomotives. They have a length of 23 m, a weight of 132 t, a maximum operating speed of 150 km/h and around 3 280 kW engine power. This type is currently the largest and most powerful diesel locomotive in Korea.
The new locomotives will replace the existing fleet of diesel locomotives. They will mainly be used on the central line between Seoul and Busan, one of the country's most important freight transport links.
For the new locomotives 33 high-performance MTU Series 4000R engines are being supplied, the first 30 ones had already been delivered before August 2026. Korail opted the first time for the powerful generation of the MTU Series 4000R engines. In the past, Korail relied on MTU Series 183 and 396 engines, used in the diesel-hydraulic vehicles of the Saemaul train, which was introduced between 1987 and 1993.
MEST, the South Korean distributor for MTU products and solutions and a joint venture between ENST Co. and Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia, is responsible for technical support and service for the engines. Close cooperation with local partners guarantees fast response times and in-depth technical expertise onsite.
MEST is a South Korean company based in Yangsan that acts as a distributor for Rolls-Royce Power Systems and specialises in the sale and technical support of diesel and electric engines as well as electronic systems for land and marine technology. MEST is a joint venture between ENST Co. and Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia established in 2016.
