JR Hokkaido is preparing to test the first of a batch of modern diesel shunting locomotives, which will provide a range of capabilities across the northern island’s network of non-electrified routes.

On July 27, the railway announced that the first of three DD200-501 locomotives would be shipped on July 29 from Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ works at Hyogo in Kobe to its depot at Teine, Sapporo.

The locomotives will undergo commissioning trials during August. The DD200 fleet is intended to replace the railway’s ageing DE10 diesel hydraulic locomotives. At least 32 of the diesel-electric DD200s are now in use across Japan, according to railwaygazette.com.

In Hokkaido, diesel locomotives are required for a range of duties, from typical yard shunting to rescue work, empty stock moves and some passenger work. The railway says the advantages of an electric transmission include quieter operations and fewer harmful emissions.

The DD200s can operate at up to 110 km/h, compared to 80 km/h for the outgoing fleet.

Currently, the DE10 locomotives are used to operate JR Hokkaido’s Furano Biei Norokko (Asahikawa to Furano) and Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko (Kushiro to Toro) tourist trains, which have been running for more than 40 years.

However, the locomotive-hauled formations are now being phased out, to be replaced by ‘Red Star’ and ‘Blue Star’ KiHa 143 diesel multiple units, which are being refurbished in a style developed by celebrated industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. These services are scheduled to start in February 2027.

The first DD200 shunters were acquired by JR Freight in 2018, and they are also used by JR Kyushu to haul its luxury Seven Stars tourist train.