LKAB is investing in new technology that will make ore transport up to 20% more energy efficient and help to maximise utilisation of the Ore Railway between Riksgränsen and Luleå in Sweden. The system is called CATO, and the SEK 50 million investment is being implemented in collaboration with Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration). CATO, Computer Added Train Operation, is a computer-based system that optimises train operation within a given timetable by controlling train movements, speed and braking. The system takes into account train meetings, timetabling and other factors.

By optimising the way the ore trains are driven, energy use as well as wear and tear on brakes, wheels and track can be reduced. The ore train locomotives (IORE-type) are already equipped for regeneration. Regenerative braking systems feed the excess energy usually lost during braking back into the locomotive as power. This constitutes a significant energy gain on the steep downgrade between Riksgränsen and Narvik. Major savings can also be made on the Malmberget-Luleå stretch of the line. The potential saving is close to SEK12 million per year.

By improving punctuality the system also helps to reduce traffic disruptions on the Ore Railway. The capacity for ore traffic is thereby utilised more efficiently.

The CATO system consists of a driver interface mounted in the locomotive driver’s cab of each train and a central computer that communicates with Trafikverket’s Train Control Center (TCC). Trafikverket is also installing
a corresponding system that will be available for use by other operators.

Development of the CATO system, which began in 2000, has been carried out by Transrail AB in collaboration with Trafikverket. Trial runs with CATO have been conducted using LKAB’s IORE-type locomotives on the Ore Railway.

To achieve LKAB’s growth target, capacity on the Ore Railway must be increased initially to 40 Mt by 2015. The introduction of CATO is an important step in that direction.