199603 – Baker & Oberkramer – BHPIO: Improving Safety and Efficiency with Automatic Train Protection (ATP)

BHP Iron Ore is one of the world’s largest iron ore suppliers, with major mines at Newman, Yandi and Yarrie. The BHP Iron Ore railroad between Newman and Port Hedland is one of the largest, and most efficient, heavy haul rail systems in the world. Following on from the success of BHP Iron Ore’s participation in the Australian Government’s Best Practice Demonstration Program the Railroad Department, based in Port Hedland, embarked on a programme which involved introducing Automatic Train Protection (ATP), which is integrated with an Electronic Air Brake system on its locomotives. This paper discusses the ATP equipment installed and its operational features, in addition to the safety advantages achieved with the introduction of the ATP system and the benefits to be obtained in BHPIO’ s Railroad efficiency. The introduction of ATP and the eventual removal of signals on the BHPIO railroad represents a move away from conventional line-side signalling to the more advanced speed signalling system of operation.