FMG's joint collaboration between its' Fortescue Future Industries, later Fortescue Zero, and Downer Group to create a battery electric locomotive, known as a BEL, took a second hand imported General Electric 9-44CW locomotive, in this case it was former BNSF, then GECX lease locomotive numbered 4854, with serial number 50708 and a build date of Aug 1998.
GECX 4854 was imported into Australia by FMG and arrived in Port Hedland during September 2021 along with seven stable mates all from the same build order.
Former BNSF now GECX units 4833, on the left and GECX 4854 on the right during their cleaning and quarantine inspections at the Port Hedland port on November 28, 2021, enroute from Norfolk, Virginia [USA] to FMG's Thomas Yard out the back of South Hedland.
April 13, 2022, 4854 at the dome facility within FMG's Thomas yard as it is prepped for service with FMG. It should have been renumbered as 022 to fit in with the FMG 9-44CW roster, but I am not aware of this unit receiving that number.
4854 was still seen around Thomas yard in June 2022. It was then transported to Perth and seen at Gemco's Forrestfield shops on November 10, 2022. And later seen dismantled to the frame leaving only the cab and prime mover.
On August 8, 2024, 4854 was sighted at the FFI facility in Hazelmere wearing a Fortescue Zero livery with THE POWER OF NOW along the body hood, and Fortescue ZERO on the cab side.
Then on June 14, 2025, and now in a white livery with blue stripe and numbered 001 arrived back in Port Hedland via Mammoet and a 144 wheeled platform.
Right hand side view of Fortescue Zero's engineering prototype battery electric locomotive 001 as it is hauled on a 144 wheel platform during delivery along the Great Northern Hwy, June 14, 2025.
Left hand side view of Fortescue Zero's engineering prototype battery electric locomotive 001 as it arrives in South Hedland, near their Thomas yard, June 14, 2025.
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