Freight Tracks issue 24

RailGood slams Rotterdam

WITH regular non-performance, most recently again at Rotterdam Botlek and now at Pernis, and an excessive increase in infrastructure charges for marshalling and shunting from January 1 2023, the Netherlands government’s rail infrastructure manager ProRail is “driving its rail freight customers up the wall”. That is the claim of RailGood, the external relations body for Netherlands rail freight transport companies.

The organisation adds that ProRail is “making it impossible for the most climate- and environment-friendly mode of transport, which also relieves the congested road network, to provide reliable and affordable transport to its customers.”

This is why RailGood is urging the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management to “decisively put ProRail in order. After five years of muddling through by failure bosses, the mismanagement of the railways in Europe's largest port Rotterdam, which are too often unavailable and unreliable and whose use after January 1 2023 has also been made prohibitively expensive for carriers and their customers, must come to an end. Shippers and logistics providers have plenty of choice between modes and ports. Shifting goods from road to rail (modal shift), on which the Dutch Rutte IV coalition agreement and the EU Green Deal focus, is only possible if the rail infrastructure is available, reliable and affordable for freight transport.”

ProRail once again "fails" in Rotterdam port and severely disrupts rail customers, says Rail-

Rotterdam access crisis

Good. On December 28, 29 and 30 2022, rail freight operators and their customers were "severely disrupted" by ProRail as the track was “suddenly unavailable” with limited availability for train traffic in Europe's largest port. At Botlek yard, severe flooding caused by a leaking firewater pipe forced a complete halt to train traffic. On December 28 also on the main track, making Europoort and Maasvlakte inaccessible by train. Not for the first time, there was severe flooding on the tracks at Botlek.

As most trains to and from Pernis contain hazardous substances, rail freight operators, their customers in the petrochemical industry and a container terminal at Pernis suffered a lot of customer inconvenience and asset losses. Furthermore, this is obviously bad for customer confidence in the rail transport product. Pernis

with its petroleum ports is home to large petrochemical companies, including Shell's oil refinery and a biofuels plant, as well as tank storage and container handling companies.

“Even if it is only a curtain-raiser, aggrieved carriers are preparing capital damage claims against ProRail for mismanagement and negligence,” notes RailGood.

The ban on shunting trains carrying hazardous materials increases traffic congestion at Kijfhoek and the already heavily used Botlek yard, among other things to change locomotives for the Pernis trains. Space may also have to be created elsewhere in the port later for this purpose. Logistically, ProRail is working with rail freight operators to arrange how rail transport can still be optimally facilitated at Pernis. A point of con-

cern is that the extinguishing water supply at Botlek yard is vulnerable in terms of leaks and hydrants. Preventively, a fire watch has therefore been temporarily put in place by ProRail at Botlek.

Another challenge is that the freight tracks in the Port of Rotterdam have largely been maintained at safety level rather than at the higher level of sustainability (life cycle management), which entails a higher risk of unreliability and non-availability of the track.

Then on December 30 2022, ProRail reported that the fire-fighting facility at Pernis yard was not approved by the decentralised competent authority in Rotterdam. From January 1 2023, no activities requiring an environmental permit may take place on the tracks at Pernis for three weeks until the fire extinguishing facility meets the requirements of decentralised competent authority.

A crisis manager at ProRail indicated on December 31 2022 that ProRail is making efforts to try to speed up the elimination of this serious

use restriction, says RailGood.

Specifically, this means at least that if there are hazardous materials on the train, changing and re-routing locomotives for an extended period of time is now prohibited, as well as coupling and uncoupling block trains.

Furthermore, through trains carrying hazardous substances whose train composition does not change, including the locomotive, are not allowed to stay at Pernis for more than four hours.

Background to crisis

The perils between ProRail and decentralised competent authority have been playing out since August 2018. Since late August 2019, in addition to train-free periods for emergency repairs and much-needed renewal of the rail infrastructure, there have been repeated restrictions on the use of the track in the Port of Rotterdam due to non-conformities of ProRail with the fire-fighting water facilities and track management with respect to the regulations of decentralised competent authority in Rotterdam Rijnmond.

Worryingly, despite a major renewal programme and disproportionately high investments in fire-fighting water facilities, new problems kept cropping up in 2022, including the non-windproof light masts and technical problems with the Suurhoff Bridge, which require single-track operation to and from the Maasvlakte in wind force 7 or higher and frost, which severely hinders train traffic.

Extinguishing water facilities at other port

sites temporarily approved subject to reservations ProRail also reported on December 31 2022 that, except for Pernis yard, the Maasvlakte, Europoort, Botlek and Waalhaven yards will not be subject to temporary restrictions on use for shunting with hazardous substances. This is only possible including all temporary mitigating measures taken by ProRail. At Waalhaven South yard, which is very important for intermodal transport, all tracks are finally available again without shunting restrictions for dangerous goods transport since 1 January 2023. Until December 31 2022, trains carrying dangerous goods were allowed to shunt only on the six long tracks for several years, following ProRail's serious troubles with decentralised competent authority over the firewater facilities at Waalhaven South.

"Despite non-performance, excessive increases in infrastructure charges for stabling and shunting ProRail's non-performance is unfortunately also accompanied by the excessive and unprecedented in Europe increases in infrastructure charges for the use of stabling and shunting tracks," notes Railgood.

RailGood considers it a “travesty” that with ProRail's super poor service levels, infra charges have been unhesitatingly increased from 15% for a siding for a single locomotive to 450% for long tracks from 1 January 2023. This includes a 25% subsidy on these infra charges in 2023 from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management published a fortnight ago. ProRail is 2.5 to 13 times more expensive in 2023 than DB Netze, which has significantly higher service levels than ProRail at its yards. This is anti-modal shift policy pure and simple, which should be ended as soon as possible concludes RailGood.

FRA addresses unintended

THE us Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)HAS ISSUED Safety Advisory

ON June 22 2022, during a significant thunderstorm, a crew consisting of a locomotive engineer and conductor operated a conventionally powered,intermodal train with three head-end locomotives, 47 loaded cars, and six empty cars, totaling 9204 feet (2.8 km) in length and 7392 tons (6700 tonnes) in weight. The engineer stopped the train on a downhill grade of 0.9–1.18% near the signal governing the train’s movement, set the train’s air brakes at approximately 12 pounds, and fully set the locomotive consist’s independent brakes. After being stopped for approximately three hours, the engineer and conductor, located in the lead locomotive cab, observed the train roll towards the signal interlocking displaying a stop indication.

This train experienced an unintended automatic brake release. The locomotive consist’s independent brakes remained fully applied but due to the grade, tonnage and wet rail could not solely hold the train without the automatic air brakes also being applied.

At that time, an opposing train on the same track was preparing to cross through the interlocking in front of the rolling train. The locomotive engineer of the rolling train applied full-service airbrakes and full dynamic braking but was not satisfied that the brakes were working ef-

fectively or fast enough. The conductor operated the emergency brake valve and stopped the train short of the signal and the train that was preparing to cross through the interlocking.

The crew then contacted the dispatcher and railroad management to report the unintended brake release and the conductor set a

recent issue encountered by a train crew that experienced an unintended while stopped at a signal and to recommend steps addressing the unintended

unintended brake release

sufficient number of car handbrakes to hold the train on the grade.

FRA’s investigation of the rolling train’s event recorder, positive train control (PTC) system, and engine data logs, revealed: the PTC system had operated properly and would have initiated an emergency brake application upon reaching the signal; the Trip Optimiser was off; and the lead locomotive and consist did not cause the unintended brake release.

Instead, FRA determined that, after approximately three hours with the air brakes set, the air pressure slowly bled down from some of the cars’ auxiliary reservoirs, likely causing localised brake releases.

The initiation of the brake release would enable the accelerated release functionality by taking some air from the emergency brake reservoirs and directing it back into the brake pipe resulting in a substantial number of adjacent car brakes releasing.

Potentially contributing factors causing the train’s unintended movement included the downhill grade, wet rail and the train’s tonnage.

Due to the potential for air brake system leaks, FRA prohibits unattended trains from depending solely on air brakes to hold equip-

ment. While the aforementioned rolling train was attended, it nevertheless engaged in an unintended movement.

Based on FRA’s review of this incident, and its awareness of other train incidents involving an unintended air brake release under similar circumstances, FRA makes the following recommendations.

1. Crews should not expect a service rate or emergency brake application to indefinitely maintain application of a train’s air brakes.

2. If a train is stopped with air brakes set, and the train begins moving, the crew should immediately apply the emergency brake. After the train is stopped, the crew should set a sufficient number of handbrakes to secure the train from further unintended movement before releasing the brakes and recharging the train’s air brake system.

3. Each railroad should adopt and implement an air brake procedure consistent with Recommendations 1 and 2 that addresses unintended brake releases.

4. Each railroad should have an operating supervisor conduct a face-to-face meeting with each locomotive engineer and conductor to explain the contents of the advisory.

2022-02 to make the US rail industry aware of a unintended brake release of a train's automatic air brakes unintended release of train air brakes.

New benchmark for round wood and sawn timber transport

THE Smart GigaWood fleet for wood transport continues to grow. With the Smart GigaWood Round & Sawn, Innofreight has developed a wagon which is not only the most efficient for transporting round wood, but also achieves top values for payloads when transporting sawn timber.

The adapted system features 2.5m-long stanchions and thus enables efficient log transport. 120 solid cubic meters of round wood can be transported by a 2×45 ft InnoWaggon with the Round & Sawn attachment – 25% more than conventional wagons. In the case of sawn timber, up to 191 cubic metres fit on a double wagon, which, like all Smart GigaWood systems, allows a payload of up to 144 tonnes.

All Innofreight superstructures focus on flexibility and

customer friendliness. Since the stanchions on the Smart GigaWood Round & Sawn are bolted and not welded, customers can adjust them easily. Depending on the length of the wood, the stanchions are attached to the wagon and, if necessary, changes can be made later. The end walls on the outside also increase safety during transport. This further development is particularly advantageous for the sawmill industry. By using the Smart GigaWood Round & Sawn, empty runs are minimised and additional train runs are saved due to the significantly higher capacity. If a wagon arrives at the sawmill with round wood, it can be loaded directly with finished sawn timber packages after unloading and deliver them.

Twenty-five new cars for EUROWAGON

THE contract is signed: TransANT and EUROWAGON will rely on greentec steel for their newest freight cars - which is good for the environment as well as for rail transport. This choice allows approximately three tonnes of CO2 emissions per car to be avoided. That's equivalent to the CO2 emissions of a mid-sized vehicle traveling around 15,000 km on the road.

TransANT will supply 25 60-foot light-weight cars to the largest independent Polish rail car pool, EUROWAGON,which leases its rail cars to industrial companies, railways as well as logistics companies throughout Europe.

As Europe's newest manufacturer of modern light-weight freight cars, TransANT is sending a strong signal for the future of freight cars.With a net weight of 16.5 tons when used in intermodal transport and a length of 19.8 m, many different loads can be transported with less environmental impact. The new modular SG container wagons are constructed of high-quality voestalpine greentec steel Edition materials, which are produced with 10% less direct CO2 emissions.

These freight cars will allow EUROWAGON's customers to transport 20, 30 and 40 ft containers or containerized superstructures. To be ready for changing transport require-

ments, the TransANT car can also be fitted with modular, customized 60 ft superstructures.This increases flexibility of use.

This latest cooperation between TransANT and EUROWAGON is a step towards the sustainable development of freight transport.

After all, the carbon footprint of the product encompasses its lifecyle - from manufacturing to its higher payload to lower energy consumption when in service. But perhaps most importantly, these two leading companies are setting new standards for the entire industry.

"TransANT perfectly complements the list of our existing rail cars suppliers and shares EuroWagon’s approach striving for the highest levels of quality and safety. I’m positive that the new business relationship with TransANT will support our further development and will help to build momentum for a culture of rail car innovation," said Adam Butryn, CEO EUROWAGON

"We're proud to have EUROWAGON as our partner for this first batch of light-weight TransANT wagons. We‘re already looking forward to seeing the wagons on rails and revolutionizing the rail freight market together," added Andreas Redling, Managing Director TransANT

FrT Feature launch

OUR first FrT Feature will be launched in our next issue - January 23.

It is a look at the Rolling Stock leasing sector. Rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) own most of the freight railcars on the rails, which they hire out to train and freight operating companies.

Our feature will look at when it might be possible to achieve better value for money for operators from procuring and managing rolling stock rather than in investing in such capital equipment.

We will look at those who lease rolling stock, the type of rolling stock that is leased and what trends are identifiable in the sector.

Since our launch in 2022, Freight Tracks has established itself as a reliable source of rail freight news content for those who work

in the industry. Distributed every other Monday, the magazine is growing its reach with every issue.

We want to mark our second year of publication with a move to establish a series of feature specials that will throw a spotlight on those sectors of interet to the wider industry.

The magazine is distributed to C-suite readers, senior managers, department heads and professionals in many aspects of the rail freight supply chain.

Job titles of recipients include Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers and Managing Directors. The map opposite shows the geographical distribution of the magazine’s readership, clearly demonstrating the reach we have in all the key rail freight markets worldwide.

Editorial Deadline: January 21 Advertising deadline: January 21 freighttracks@gmail.com

New locos Down Under to bolster interstate service

QUBE, Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services, has announced the acquisition of 12 new GT46 locomotives from Progress Rail - a Caterpillar Company and one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry.

The 12 locomotives, which will all be delivered in 2023, will be used for Qube’s new interstate services between Melbourne and Sydney.

John Digney, Qube’s Director of Logistics and Infrastructure, said the purchase of 12 additional locomotives would enable the continued growth of the new service.

“These 12 new locos will further strengthen our ability to provide Qube customers with an efficient and regular rail service between Australia two most populous capital cities, for which we expect to see growing demand.

“Since 2021, Qube has invested significantly in its rail business and grown its locomotive fleet by 32, enabling the efficient and reliable movement of freight via rail and helping get trucks off roads, which has the added benefit of reducing CO2 emissions.”

Colin Kerelchuk, Senior Vice President of Progress Rail said, “We are pleased to support Qube with our EMD 4500 horsepower, Tier 3 emission capable, heavy-haul locomotives. With personnel located across Qube’s rail network, we are committed to providing best-in-class products and services.”

The 12 new units will be delivered in New South Wales, commencing August 2023.

Qube’s Melbourne to Sydney service launched in November, initially providing three weekly round trips. It is the first interstate service to be handled under automation at the Qube Moorebank IMEX Terminal in Sydney.

North Carolina RR invests new rail-served site

THE North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is one of several partners named in the announcement that Sumitomo Forestry America is opening a new manufacturing and distribution operation to serve subsidiary residential homebuilding markets in Archdale, NC. In total, Sumitomo Forestry America will bring an investment of $19.5 million and 129 new jobs to Randolph County.

Sumitomo Forestry America, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a subsidiary of a Japanese corporation that has been in the wood product industry for over 330 years. The new facility would bring a 120,000 sq ft manufacturing space for key wood products for residential homebuilding and a 38,000 sq ft outside storage facility.

Sumitomo Forestry America requires the installation of a new mainline turnout and a rail siding for the unloading of raw wood materials to be manufactured into various building materials and products. Through

NCRR’s economic development initiative NCRR Invests, NCRR is investing approximately $200,000 to assist with the construction that will be utilised by Norfolk Southern to serve the new manufacturing operation. The new rail modifications will increase activity by 364 additional rail cars each year.

“NCRR is excited for the opportunity to contribute to

CBH acquires standard gauge

THE CBH Group has entered into an agreement with Progress Rail to acquire seven EMD standard gauge locomotives, more than doubling the co-operative’s standard-gauge locomotive fleet.

CBH opened a competitive Request For Proposal (RFP) process for the purchase of standard gauge locomotives to expand and strengthen its current rail fleet, which consists of 25 locomotives and 572 wagons

RFP processes

This is the first of three RFP processes, with new narrow gauge locomotives and wagons contracts scheduled to be an-

nounced in the second quarter of 2023.

Progress Rail is a subsidiary of Caterpillar and is one of the largest providers of locomotives for the global rail industry.

Under the terms of motives will be operational 2024.

CBH Chief Executive

invests $200k in site in Archdale, NC

ment. This is an important win for the state, local communities and the people of North Carolina.”

Additional project partners include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.

The North Carolina RR

an effort including Randolph County, the City of Archdale, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and many others who made this amazing opportunity a reality,” said Carl Warren, NCRR president and CEO. “Partnerships like these are critical in the creation of new jobs and retention of existing employ-

The North Carolina Railroad Company is a private corporation whose voting stock is owned by the State of North Carolina. The Company manages the use of 317 miles of track and property stretching from Charlotte to the Port of Morehead City. The company’s mission is to benefit North Carolina by aggressively leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of the North Carolina Railroad Company.

gauge locos from Progress Rail

Macnamara said it was a significant step in the plan to expand the co-operative’s rail fleet.

“We are pleased to partner with Progress Rail to acquire new standard gauge locomotives,” Macnamara said.

“It is the first significant rail fleet investment CBH has made since purchasing 25 locomotives and 572 wagons in 2012.

capacity, we are ensuring we can deliver tonnes to customers when needed and therefore returning value to Western Australian growers.”

Progress Rail Senior Vice President Colin Kerelchuk said the company was excited CBH had selected Progress Rail for the expansion of their locomotive fleet.

of the deal, the locooperational by November

“Our rail fleet is a key asset for the co-operative and expanding our existing train sets is a strategic priority that is critical to lift our monthly export capacity to 3 million tonnes by 2033 or sooner.

“By investing in our supply chain network, and in particular our outloading

Australian rail industry

“We are committed to supporting the Australian rail industry through best-inclass products and services, and with more than 100 employees in Western Australia, we are ready to support the CBH team,” Kerelchuk said.

Executive Officer Ben

new year, new

AS WE WELCOME 2023 IN OUR FIRST ISSUE OF THE NEW REASON THAN MOST TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR AS THEY

hewitt

BRIAN THOMPSON

-

DENISE Williams, MBA, CPCM, CRIS, LEAD – Operations, Kansas City Southern, has been selected as the Awards Chair for the League of Railway Women (LRW).

Williams joined Kansas City Southern in 2018 as the Purchasing Compliance Manager

In 2021 she was one of seven participants selected for the KCS LEAD programme where she has

spent a year in Health, Safety and Environmental followed by her current rotation (second of three} in Operations including Network Operations, Transportation, Mechanical and Engineering.

She holds a BA in Management and Human Relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She also holds an MBA from Missouri Western State University.

JOSHUA is starting a new position as Head of Construction & Waste at GB Railfreight

joshua

BRIAN is starting a new position as Senior. Manager, Deliv

ery, Train Control Design at CN

positions ....

YEAR,

SOME IN THE

RAIL FREIGHT INDUSTRY

HAVE MORE THEY START NEW POSITIONS. WE WISH THEM WELL.

MARC LLISTOSELLA TAKES UP CEO ROLE

top-level management, especially in Asia, his ability to see things through and his soft skills.”

Llistosella was most recently active in investor and start-up founder roles, for example at Vaionic, a startup specialising in the development of electric drive systems, and Einride, a Swedish company that develops electric and self-driving commercial vehicles.

MARC Llistosella, former top manager at Daimler Truck and current start-up investor, was nominated to take up the Chief Executive Officer position at Knorr Bremse AG as of January 1 2023.

The Supervisory Board of Knorr-Bremse AG voted unanimously at its meeting in Octoberr to appoint him as CEO for three years with effect from New Year's Day.

Dr. Reinhard Ploss, Chairman of the Knorr-Bremse AG Supervisory Board, said: “I am extremely delighted that we have been able to gain Marc Llistosella as the new Chief Executive Officer of Knorr-Bremse.

He is an impressive corporate leader with an excellent reputation and many years of management experience, especially in technology, operations, sales, and strategy. In recent years, he has also been active in the mobility sector as an investor and start-up founder.

"As a result, he is just as familiar with the world of a global technology corporation as he is with the agile spirit of a young company.

"I am firmly convinced that he will return Knorr Bremse to its former strength with his international background in the capital goods sector, his extensive experience in

He is a member of the advisory or supervisory boards at both companies, and the 55-year-old business graduate and economist will retain both of these positions going forward. Up until 2018, he was CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia.

Llistosella said: "Knorr Bremse is a fascinating company and a true icon of German industry. It has stood for safe transportation for over 115 years and, as a global market leader, it drives innovation for sustainable, safety-critical system solutions.

"Together with its employees and the Executive Board team, and in close communication with the Supervisory Board, we will build further on the enormous potential of this company.”

new year, new poSitions .... Lew joins SC&LT Uni of Houston

THE Supply Chain & Logistics Technology - University of Houston has announced that Martin Lew CEO Commtrex has joined its Industry Advisory Board. Martin's leadership in tech-enabled rail logistics and vast knowledge of environmental markets will be an asset to the STEM designated program of study at University of Houston.

Lew is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest platform for shippers to directly connect with railroads, trans loaders, storage facilities, lessors, rail service providers, and industry data.

Commtrex Logistics offers shippers physical fleet management and rail logistics services across North America. Prior to Commtrex, Lew was the Head of Global Sales and Origination for Mabanaft Coal Trading, Vice President and Head of Origination for J.P. Morgan’s Coal and Environmental Markets Group, Associate for the North American Coal and Emissions Trading Desk at Bear Stearns, and CEO of Equate Systems. Lew holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree

Ricardo van der Lugt

Christian Hansch

with majors in Communications and Political Science from the University of Southern California.

RICARDO will become Business Improvement Manager at Rotterdam Rail Feeding B.V.

CHRISTIAN has been promoted to Senior Expert Machinery Technology at CargoBeamer

Moving Canada forward: Canadian rail trends 2022

THE Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has released the 30th edition of the Rail Trends report – a rolling, 10year review of financial and statistical results.

“This report underscores that rail is a backbone of Canada’s economy and a strong and healthy link in Canadian supply chains,” says Marc Brazeau, the RAC’s President and CEO.

“Moving $350 billion

dollars in goods and getting tens of millions of passengers where they need to be, Cana-

da’s railways are the cheapest, safest, and best performing in North America and truly world-class – exactly as Canadians expect and deserve.”

For three decades and counting, the RAC has reported annually on Canada’s rail industry.

This year’s edition reflects the multiple aspects of railway performance in Canada over the 2012 to 2021 period.

Canadian freight railways transported half of the country’s exports in 2021, and a total of $350 billion worth of goods.

In 2021, the total number of railway accidents was 2.6% below the 20162020 average.

In 2021, railways invested $2.3 billion into their Canadian assets, bringing the total to $20.9 billion over the past 10 years.

Employment increased by 3.0%, or 997 jobs, to 34,318 employees. The average wage in the industry increased by 1.3%, to $102,160.

RAC members contributed over $1.9 billion in various taxes to Canadian governments, bringing the total to $16.9 billion over the past decade.

Freight fuel efficiency improved by 1.2% to 704 revenue ton-miles per gallon – setting another consecutive record. Total rail industry fuel consumption was 2.8% below 2020 levels and 5.5% below the 2016-2020 average.

The data is reported byClass 1 and shortline freight railways, tourist, inter-city, passenger railways.

Bottom Line Co. Wins NRC 2022 Small Project of the Year Award

THE National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has awarded Bottom Line Company with its Small Project of the Year Award for its work to upgrade 26 railroad bridges on three subdivisions of Watco’s South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL).

Funded in part with a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program grant, the project modernised and revitalised the regional railroad in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Bottom Line came in on schedule, with no safety incidents, and under the $2.78 million agreed-upon budget.

“Those of us who worked with Bottom Line can’t say enough about the work quality, and we told them as much,” noted Watco in its nomination. “Their team did an outstanding job on the bridge repairs. We were so pleased with the work quality that we hope to work together with them on another project in the future. “

Watco cited Bottom Line’s excellent planning, coordination, communication and oversight, which made the contractor “stand out as experts and led to a successful project.”

“We appreciated the 24/7 field supervisor who managed two, six-person crews daily and kept them working efficiently together. This field supervisor submitted daily reports to us that included photos of work completed

by each crew. He was very detailed in his planning, and he participated in weekly calls with our Watco and SKOL team to discuss upcoming challenges, coordinate extended outages where needed,” detailed Watco Manager of Bridges Mike McDermott and Project Manager Cameron Ginther.

When the field supervisor pro-actively recognised conditions at five of the locations that were not in the original project scope and provided a plan, with an estimated schedule and cost, to address these conditions. Watco hired Bottom Line to address those conditions as well.

Bottom Line worked at two adjacent bridges at the same time, so they were able to efficiently use resources and equipment. Their efficient material delivery stood out; by planning work in order to complete specific geographic areas together, it eliminated having to move materials and equipment back and forth.

As with many railroad projects, train traffic is a prominent challenge, so securing track time and work windows was challenging. The Neodesha Sub averages one train per day, and the Moline and Tulsa Subs average one to two trains daily. Bottom Line was able to work with Watco and the SKOL to arrange a safe, efficient schedule to allow for optimal train traffic and optimal bridge repair.

Opening of Zuunbayan-Khangi set to deliver major

THE Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, has opened a major new rail link which will provide a significant boost to the country's export competitiveness and wider economy as part of the government's 'New Recovery Policy'.

The Zuunbayan-Khangi railway, which runs for 226.9km across south eastern Mongolia, provides a vital connection between the Tavantolgoi-Zuunbayan railway and the Khangi-Mandal border crossing on the Mongolia-China border. Oyun-Erdene was in attendance at the opening of the Zuunbayan-Khangi railway in November.

Through a further connection to a new railway under

construction on the Chinese border, the transportation distance for freight across this important economic corridor will be almost halved, significantly boosting trade in minerals such as iron ore.

With construction of the Zuunbayan-Khangi railway only beginning in March 2022, the completion of this project is set to lead to a rapid 30% increase in Mongolian export freight volume, with annual freight volumes set to stabilise at around twice their current level of 10.4 million tonnes from 2025, significantly boosting state budget revenues and local employment.

Zuunbayan-Khangi railway major boost to Mongolia

Speaking following the opening, Oyun-Erdene, told the specially invited audience that: "The new Zuunbayan-Khangi railway was built in just eight months, through a public-private-partnership investment model, and is Mongolia's new gateway for transporting mining export products competitively to the global marketplace.

"Today's opening marks a major milestone in the Government of Mongolia's 'New Recovery Policy', which is focused on strengthening the country's economy following the pandemic and making Mongolia into a leading Asian country by 2050."

Having no access to maritime shipping, Mongolia relies on around 42 dry-road border points for its trade, yet as of March last year this year only three of them were connected by railroads.

The completion of this project delivers a second new railway crossing in the south of the country, and the ambition of the New Recovery Policy is to ensure that all border points are connected by roads, railways and highways in consecutive steps.

Some 180 companies and over 3500 workers took part in the construction of the railway.

Winchester and Western RR to serve new WVsteel mill

WINCHESTER and Western Railroad (W&W), an affiliate of OmniTRAX, the nationwide supply chain, industrial development, and logistics solutions provider, has signed an agreement to serve Commercial Metals Company's (CMC) latest steel mill in West Virginia. CMC, the largest manufacturer of steel reinforcing bar (rebar) in North America and Central Europe, selected Falling Waters, West Virginia after an exhaustive multi-state site review. The strategic site, located along the historic 106-year-old W&W rail line, provides expansive market access.

W&W, an affiliate of OmniTRAX, has signed an agreement to serve Commercial Metals Company’s latest steel mill in West Virginia. The strategic site, located along the historic 106-year-old W&W rail line, provides expansive market access to two-thirds of the nation’s population.

"The new CMC mill exemplifies the power of pairing rail and real estate together," said OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente. "By combining the efficiency of rail transportation with a strategic location that can efficiently reach two-thirds of the nation's population, this new mill is a model of supply chain optimization."

The CMC mill project was a collaborative economic development effort by OmniTRAX, State of West Virginia leaders, and Berkeley County officials. The W&W supplemented a state and county incentive package with a custom rail service agreement and additional infrastructure investments to secure West Virginia's successful site selection pursuit.

"This new partnership reflects a cross functional team effort to provide CMC with a highly customized commercial service solution. I'm proud of the collaborative work invested to make this day possible," added Piacente.

The new steel mill is projected to generate more than 200 jobs while reducing interstate traffic congestion by placing a significant volume of annual carloads on the W&W railroad. CMC anticipates a late 2025 facility opening.

ELP PASSES 100-LOCO MARK IN NEW YEAR

SHORTLY before Christmas, ELP ordered another 10 EuroDuals for use in Germany and Austria from Stadler Valencia. With this order, ELP surpasses its target of 100 locomotives. A target ELP had set itself until the end of 2023.

"We can say that we are far ahead of our plan in a relatively short time," says Willem Goosen, CEO and co-founder of ELP. "We have now ordered 104 modern, innovative 6-axle hybrid locomotives (74 EuroDual and 30 Euro9000 locomotives).

"Of these, 85 locomotives have already been leased in long-term full-service leases with more than 30 customers in six different countries. As of last week,

48 EuroDual locomotives are already in service in four different countries with great success!"

In parallel to this success, ELP has managed to build a good, balanced team. The team will continue to grow in 2023 and in the following years. ELP has been very successful in completing the startup phase and the first growth spurt. Next year, the second growth spurt will begin, which is expected to result in at least 200 locomotives on order by 2028.

"In 2023, the EuroDual homologation will be extended to the Balkan countries. The approval in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium of the 'Next Generation Lo-

comotive', the Euro9000, is expected as planned.

"We expect to have a significant number of Euro9000s in service with various customers in all six countries. It is only through our customers, the solid support of our shareholders and a particularly good working relationship with our suppliers, service providers and the UBS banking syndicate that we have been able to achieve this success in such a short time," says Willem Goosen.

ELP will announce further innovations and some surprises during the coming year. In May 2023, ELP will celebrate its fifth anniversary during the Transport & Logistic trade fair in Munich.

Schneider fully transitioned to

SCHNEIDER, a multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, completed the transition of its western rail operations to Union Pacific Railroad (UP), making it the largest company driver dray fleet on the rail network.

Schneider’s intermodal operations on Union Pacific transitioned seamlessly as the companies collaborated closely over the last year to align operations, technology, sales and customer teams in preparation for the service change.

There was no disruption to Schneider’s customers during the transition. The move is also a pivotal step in the carrier’s plans to double its intermodal size by 2030 and continue to reduce its carbon footprint.

The supply chain leader has one of the largest intermodal fleets in North America, including more than 28,000 compa-

ny-owned containers which accompany a fully deployed company-owned chassis fleet. Schneider now has access to more rail lanes as well as direct connections on transcontinental freight due to the partnership between the Union Pacific and CSX networks.

“We believe the move in the West means we can offer our customers a distinct differentiator in the market,” said Schneider Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics Jim Filter.

“The combination of more coast-to-coast connections and being the first fully asset-based carrier with company drivers, company-owned containers, and company-owned chassis to operate on the railroad will result in more consistent service and less time in transit. We see huge benefits with Union Pacif-

The move expands the company’s intermodal services and gives customers a differentiated rail offering

to UP for western rail service

ic to successfully deliver a positive service experience for our customers and drivers.”

Schneider and Union Pacific are working collectively to improve driver efficiency at terminals, further reducing delays in transit.The railroad’s additional lane options and consistent rail departure frequency provides customers with more options, better reliability, and ultimately greater control over the supply chain.

“This is the beginning of a partnership built on a shared commitment to provide more sustainable intermodal services and reduce our carbon footprints,” said Union Pacific Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker. “We look forward to future growth as we leverage Union Pacific’s extensive network and Schneider’s innovative logistics offer-

ings to provide unparalleled customer service.”

“In addition to offering our customers more possibilities, the transition to Union Pacific is a crucial piece in furthering our sustainability goals,” said Filter.

Moving freight by rail has significant environmental benefits. One ton of freight can be moved 500 miles by rail on the equivalent of a single gallon of fuel.

Working with Union Pacific provides a reduction in idling time and increased route optimization that leads to a cut in vehicle emissions.

Additionally, Schneider announced in 2022 that it would be adding 92 battery electric vehicles to its intermodal operations in southern California, giving customers even more ways to cut emissions.

A TRUE SURVIVOR

To David Collin Reinhart, MBA, every rail car tells a story, and each one is just a little bit different. Built in December of 1977 by Berwick Forge & Fabricating under Lot 36300 for the newly minted Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), these excess height cars were a mainstay in the auto industry.

Unique "waffle" sides provided shippers a quicker and more customisable way to load and secure shipments.

Photographed on December 30 2022, CR 223069 is now owned by Norfolk Southern but still wears its original paint and lettering, including its "NEW 12-77" and the large Conrail herald.

BNSF Railway announces four new certified sites

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has awarded four new locations its Certified Sites designation. In order to be considered, sites must undergo a thorough analysis which includes an evaluation of environmental and geotechnical standards, available utilities, site availability and existing and proposed infrastructure.

“BNSF’s Site Certification Program creates tremendous value for customers who are seeking a rail-served industrial site by accelerating the process required for economic growth and development,” said Chris Danos, Assistant Vice President, Economic Development. “A customer who builds a new rail-served facility at one of these sites is expected to save six to nine months of valuable construction time as a result of this shovel-ready program,” said Danos.

The newly-designated Certified Sites feature acreage ready for industrial development:

Dodge City Business Park, Dodge City, KS – This 244-acre location is the third Certified Site in the State. It is designated as light industrial zoning with all utilities available. Located off the BNSF network along US Highway 56 and 109.

Reimann Industrial Center, Pasco, WA – Zoned for industrial use, this 150-acre site is conveniently locat-

ed west of State Highway 395 and is six short miles from the Tri-Cities Airport. The first site of this size in the State, it is owned by the Port of Pasco, which offers a rail spur and runs adjacent to the BNSF network.

Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus, Seward, NE –This 194-acre industrial zoned site is the first-of-its-kind in the State with direct access to the BNSF network. Located in south Seward, 25 miles from Lincoln, with immediate access to Interstate 80.

Upton Logistics Center, Upton, WY – This property consists of developable property with 295 acres of the logistics center recently certified. This site is zoned heavy industrial and is bordered to the east by BNSF Railway. Upton Logistics Center is operated by Tiger Transfer, a BNSF Premier Transloader.

Certified Sites are a part of BNSF’s Premier Parks, Sites and Transload programme. The program is a strategic approach that addresses the increasing demand for customer site locations by developing various types of facilities across BNSF’s network. BNSF Certified Sites are reviewed by an industry expert in order to ensure accurate, reliable data. The goal of the program is to provide an inventory of rail-served sites that are available for immediate development.

WABTEC Corporation's Selkirk, NY locomotive services shop recently surpassed 10 years without an injury.

The facility supports CSX’s locomotive operations and repaired around 34,800 freight locomotives over the past decade.

That’s a lot of work without an injury.

Congratulations from all at Freight Tracks for your dedication to a “safety first” culture. Job well done!

Congressional leaders rosco port’s Reimann

WASHINGTON’S Congressional delegation has delivered $3.6 million in federal funding for the Port of Pasco’s Reimann Industrial Center Last Mile Rail project. The funding was secured on December 22, when Congress approved the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill.

Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell sponsored the Port of Pasco’s request for infrastructure funding. Congressman Dan Newhouse supported the project in the House of Representatives.

“The Port of Pasco is excited and grateful to receive this funding,” said Vicki Gordon, President of the Port of Pasco

Commission.“Our congressional leaders served as great champions of this important project, especially Senator Patty Murray and her staff. Without their support, the Port would have been highly challenged to secure the critical project funds.”

The $3.6 million will construct 6,100 feet of industrial rail that will serve the Darigold project and future businesses that locate on the Port’s remaining land at the Reimann. The last mile of rail will directly connect with the BNSF rail yard. This project ensures the Reimann Industrial Center will support multimodal transportation.

The FY 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending approved

deliver $3.6M for

Last-Mile Rail project

for the Reimann Last Mile Industrial Rail project will fill the final funding gap in a $25 million project that has been funded, up until now, with committed local and state funding.

“The Port of Pasco has been fortunate to have strong support for the development of the Reimann Industrial Center from multiple community partners,” Executive Director Randy Hayden said. “Darigold is the single largest project to locate at a Port of Pasco industrial center. Winning this project wouldn’t have been possible without the support and infrastructure investments made by the City of Pasco, Franklin County, Franklin PUD, several state legislators, and now our congressional delegation.”

To bring public utilities and infrastructure to the Reimann, the Port will reconstruct and widen Railroad Avenue, install municipal water and sewer, and relocate a natural gas pipeline.

In 2021, the Port of Pasco received a $7.5 million Capital Budget award from the Washington State Legislature. Franklin County awarded the project $2.3 million from its Economic Development Fund.

The Port will also utilize the state’s new Tax Increment Fi-

nancing law to issue general obligation bonds to cover about $9 million of the total project budget.

Darigold broke ground on its project in September and has started the initial phase of site development on 150 acres (56 ha) of the Reimann. The company plans to invest $600 million and construct the largest milk processing facility in North America. Darigold intends to commence operations in 2024 after constructing nearly 500,000 square feet of structure.

The Darigold project will create more than 200 high paying jobs at the facility. Those employees will earn wages that exceed Franklin County’s current median wage. Dairy operations around Central Washington will also add about 350 new jobs. Indirect jobs – about 500 – are also anticipated. These jobs will come from third party companies that provide products and services to the new Darigold facility.

“Darigold’s private investment will uplift and support Pasco for years to come,” Hayden said. “Along with great wages and career opportunities, the project will increase local tax revenue, providing a significant boost in funding for local schools and community services.”

BNSF Railway has designated the Reimann Industrial Center as one of its Certified Sites. The Reimann is the first BNSF Certified Site in the State of Washington.

Last month, BNSF announced it would add the Reimann and three other sites to its roster of Certified Sites. Nationally, BNSF has certified 33 sites. The newest sites are Dodge City, Kansas; Seward, Nebraska; Upton, Wyoming; and Pasco.

“BNSF’s site certification puts the railroad’s stamp of approval on the Reimann Industrial Center. The Port is pleased and grateful to have earned this designation,” said Executive Director Randy Hayden. “The Port of Pasco is a multi-modal inland port district that proudly supports the movement of people, freight, and agricultural commodities via rail, roads, water and air.”

The railroad’s Industrial Site Certification program is a rigorous process that identifies “optimal rail-served sites” via an in-depth review process. BNSF often works with a company in the early stages of its site selection process to help ensure freight mobility. According to BNSF’s website, the certified site designation helps its freight customers reduce development time, increase speed to market and diminish upfront development risk at rail-served industrial sites.

“BNSF’s Site Certification Program creates tremendous value for customers who are seeking a rail-served industrial site by accelerating the process required for economic growth and development,” said Chris Danos, Assistant Vice President, Economic Development. “A customer who builds a new rail-served facility

Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw Visits South Carolina Ports

CURRENTLY ranked the No. 8 container port in the US, South Carolina Ports (SCPorts) owns and operates the Port of Charleston, Port of Georgetown, Inland Port Greer, and Inland Port Dillon.

Along with several team members, Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw visited with SCPorts President and

CEO Barbara Melvin and her team to discuss our joint efforts to increase freight volumes throughout the Southeast and create even more opportunities for our shared customers. "Thank you to our Norfolk Southern team members and port partners who move freight to and from the East Coast every day," says the railroad.

Biogen Systems Moves First Containers by Rail and sets a Green Record

DECEMBER 21st might have been the shortest day of 2022, but it was also the day a “Green” record was broken by Biogen Systems Limited, albeit it must be said a rather niche one of Julian Ackerley's own invention! The record was that of the lowest carbon footprint per mile by a Biomass Gasification CHP system whilst moving around the UK, when for the first time we moved ENTRENCO systems for export from our Chester base to ABP's Southampton container terminal by rail.

Working with our shipping partner INEXPRESS LTD, GB Railfreight and Great Western Railway we estimate the journey had a carbon footprint of approximately 115 kg of CO2, the conventional road footprint being approximately 429 kg of CO2 (or 210 kg per system), 373% higher or put another way, a reduction of 73 % when shipping by rail . The switch to rail next

year has the potential to reduce our Carbon Footprint by 1.44 tonnes.

The containers left the UK early in the New Year on the HMM HANBADA enroute to Kobe in Japan via Singapore. The HANBADA entered service in 2021 and is a 161,000 dwt state-of-the-art container ship with a consequently lower carbon footprint relative to the industry average.

Unfortunately getting a container to the Far East by ship has a somewhat larger footprint than a trip from Chester to Southampton! and we estimate this at 1.46 tonne per system, however the switch to rail still achieves a 9.5% overall reduction on the journey footprint from the University of Chester's, Thornton Science Park Chester to Kobe and it is via such small steps that we will move our business to beyond Net Zero and achieve Carbon Drawdown.

MICKI NAMED AS CHAIR OF League of Railway Women Scholarship Committee

MICKI Rust, TTX Director-General Equipment, has been named Scholarship Committee Chair for the League of Railway Women (LRW). The League of Railway Women, founded in 1997, is “committed to improving the railroad industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail” with a mission to “advance the representation, recognition and opportunities for

women, thereby promoting diversity and improving business results of the railroad industry.”

As Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Micki will oversee the awarding of two LRW scholarships, the Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship and the Future of Railroading Scholarship. Micki has been with TTX since 2015.

KEEP THE DATE: Railway industry calendar of events

2023

07 February London, UK Rolling Stock Forum 2023

09 February Birmingham, UK TransCityRail Midlands

21-23 February Rome, Italy International Railway Summit

23 February London, UK Rail Business Awards

28 Feb-2 March São Paulo, Brazil NT Expo São Paulo

03 March London, UK Golden Whistle Awards

08 March Glasgow, UK Rail in Scotland

28-30 March Lille France SIFER13th International Exhibition of Railway Technology

09-11 May Birmingham, UK Railtex

09-11 May London, UK Railtex

09-12 May Munich Transport Logistic

23 May London, UK Railway Innovation Awards

31 May-1 June Bangkok, Thailand Asia Pacific Rail

14-17 June Busan, Korea RailLog Korea

27-29 June London, UK Rolling Stock Maintenance & Depot Optimisation Europe

06 July Derby, UK Rolling Stock Networking

03-05 October Milan, Italy Expo Ferroviaria

If you would like your event listed here free of charge, just send details to freighttracks@gmail.com

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