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Towing Locomotives for the Panama Canal Authority
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Corporation, Toyo Denki Seizo K.K., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy |
|---|---|
| Built for | Autoridad del Canal de Panama (Panama Canal Authority) |
| Product type | Towing locomotive |
| Year ordered, delivered or shipped | Ordered in December 1997 |
| Launch of commercial operations | Began operating in 1999 |
Mitsubishi Corporation received an order from Autoridad del Canal de Panama (Panama Canal Authority) for 100 towing locomotives, and delivered them from 1999 to 2006. The locomotive design and manufacturing were done by Toyo Denki Seizo K.K., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Vessels passing through the canal were towed by older locomotives supplied by this group of companies for about half a century, and the order of 100 newer models indicated the high regard the Authority held for their expertise.
Towing locomotives are based mainly at three locks near the Pacific and Atlantic. They tow vessels from both sides of the canal. The canal has an important place in Panama’s political environment and economy, and the locomotives contribute greatly to canal operations.
The locomotives are equipped with IGBT converters and inverters to provide improved operation support and maintenance management.
