Freight Tracks issue 35

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10 million and counting

SWISS-BASED full service leasor of capital-intensive hybrid locomotives Euro peanLoc Pool (ELP) has marked a significant achievement: its ELP EuroDual locomotives fleet has surpassed the 10,000,000 kilometres in successful operation milestone.

In a remarkable span of just over three years, its EuroDual locomotives have collectively traversed a staggering distance of over 10 million kilometres, demonstrating “unparalleled performance and unwavering reliability,” said the company.

Since April 1 2020, when the inaugural locomotive hit the tracks, the EuroDuals have consistently exhibited their resilience, necessitating minimal maintenance interruptions and encountering no significant complications. This impressive feat attests to both the unwavering commitment of our team and the exceptional engineering behind the locomotives, reflected by an extraordinary average availability ratio of 96.8%.

At present, the fleet comprises 52 EuroDuals actively operating in Germany, Austria, Norway and Sweden,

with test runs commencing this week in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Moreover, within the coming month, it is eagerly anticipating the deployment of the maiden next-generation locomotive, the Euro9000, heralding a momentous expansion of the 6-axle hybrid-locomotives fleet.

Additionally, this year saw the company commemorate its fifth anniversary as European Loc Pool AG.

To honour this remarkable occasion, it hosted an exclusive event, graced by the presence of customers,

partners and employees.

“The event surpassed all expectations, with an impressive turnout of over 160 guests, further amplifying the success of this memorable celebration,” said the company.

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IN 2022, a year plagued by a treacherous economic landscape, the Operail group of railway companies boasted an operating income of €61 million and an EBITDA of €10 million. Such remarkable achievements are even more laudable considering the adverse conditions that prevailed throughout the period.

Undoubtedly, the Estonian division of Operail encountered a substantial setback as the volume of goods transported plummeted by 47%. However, the company exhibited resilience by offsetting this decline through the strategic rental of wagons. Additionally, towards the end of the year, freight volumes in Finland experienced a welcome surge, serving as a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging circumstances.

Regrettably, the promising prospects offered by these lines of business will no longer be available to Operail as they move forward from 2023. This development marks the end of an era, necessitating a shift in the company's strategic direction.

During the previous fiscal year, the amalgamated turnover of all Operail's ventures amounted to an impressive 61 million euros, slightly down from the €73 million achieved in 2021. Meanwhile, the EBITDA of €10 million in 2022 showcased the company's robust financial standing, despite a decline from the €17 million recorded in the pre-

OPERAIL MAKES IT THROUGH

vious year. However, after accounting for the revaluation of assets, Operail incurred a net loss of €16 millions.

Raul Toomsalu, the Chairman of the Management Board, shed light on the factors contributing to this mixed financial outcome. He attributed the substantial decrease in goods transported in Estonia to the outbreak of war and the subsequent imposition of sanctions in 2022. The adverse effects of these circumstances were further compounded by the prohibition on Russian cargo, which came into effect in January 2023, adversely impacting both the company and its asset valuation. Nevertheless, Toomsalu emphasised that despite these challenges, Operail fared commendably at the operational level, with the losses primarily stemming from the necessary revaluations prompted by the aforementioned factors.

In addition to the aforementioned setbacks, Operail faced additional financial burdens. The company incurred expenses totaling one million euros higher than usual, primarily attributable to redundancies and advisory costs related to the sale of wagons and the Finnish business. These unforeseen expenditures added to the intricacies of an already arduous period for the railway conglomerate.

Despite the hurdles faced, Operail's performance, with-

in the context of the exceptionally demanding economic climate, is a testament to the company's resilience and resourcefulness. As they forge ahead, Operail will need to recalibrate its strategies and explore new avenues for growth, leaving behind a chapter that once constituted their core lines of business.

“However, these are good financial results in extremely difficult circumstances, as both turnover and EBITDA remained strong, but this is thanks to the non-strategic business lines that were still in place last year and which Operail no longer operates this year,” Toomsalu noted.

In Q1 2023, Operail sold its last leased wagons and its freight transport subsidiary in Finland.

EBITDA or operating profit before depreciation and amortisation of the divested business lines, such as rental of wagons and Finnish freight transport in 2022, amounted to €11 million in the reporting period, while net profit before the revaluation of assets amounted to €4 million. The remaining business lines had an EBITDA of –1 million euros and a net loss of €10 million in 2022.

“This year, Operail will only be able to continue with Estonian rail freight transport as a loss-making business thanks to the proceeds from the sale of profitable busi-

DIFFICULT YEAR BY DIVESTING

nesses, but this is a short-term solution,” Raul Toomsalu said.

In 2021, the volume of goods of the Operail group was 12.9 million tonnes; in 2022, 7.2 million tonnes; and the forecast for 2023 is around 2.2 million tonnes.

“In the longer term, co-operation between the public sector, the infrastructure manager, and all carriers is necessary to reform the railways to avoid the demise of the

Estonian railway sector.

"The demise of rail freight transport in Estonia and the concentration of rail transport in neighbouring countries would harm the Estonian economy, the business environment, competitiveness, and Estonian society as a whole, as the railway is the only sensible way to transport bulk goods and the safest and most environmentally friendly mode of transport,” Toomsalu said.

expanding MMX

CANADIAN Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has added 1000 new, 53-foot, refrigerated intermodal containers to its network, more than doubling CPKC's existing fleet and bringing more shipping options to customers using the expanding Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) Series premium intermodal service.

MMX is North America's first single-line rail service offering for refrig-

erated shippers from the Midwest to Mexico, a market currently served by trucks. Single-line haul efficiencies, combined with seamless crossborder service, make CPKC intermodal transit times competitive with over the road trucks. Converting trucks to rail reduces emissions and makes highways safer, another realisation of the benefits of the CPKC combination.

"Since being launched on May 11, MMX has provided truck competitive service, delivering exactly what we promised and executing what many said could not be done," said Jonathan Wahba, CPKC Senior Vice-President Sales and Marketing Bulk and Intermodal. "We're providing customers with the fastest transit times in the rail industry and this expansion of our stateof-the-art reefer equipment gives more customers the solution they need to convert to rail."

The average intermodal train takes more than 300 trucks off the road with 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than trucks. Freight trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks and can move a ton of freight 500 miles on one gallon of fuel.

The new refrigerated containers are part of CPKC's TempPro solutions, ensuring products that require temperature protection are transported safely in a fast, reliable, and fuel-efficient service that brings optionality and more competition to North American supply chains.

The MMX temperature controlled service will move fresh and frozen produce, baked goods, candy and

other food products northbound and beef, chicken and pork to southern markets.

The MMX Series debuted May 11 with trains now linking Chicago, Kansas City, Texas markets, Monterrey and San Luis Potosi. MMX trains offer third-day service to/from Laredo, fourth-day service to/from Monterrey, and 4.5-day service to/from San Luis Potosi. MMX provides transit time of 98 hours from Chicago to San Luis Potosi – a day faster than the nearest competitor.

In April, CPKC announced new multi-year agreements with Schneider and with KnightSwift Transportation for intermodal transportation services along the CPKC single-line northsouth corridor.

CPKC is working with customers and investing in infrastructure to unlock the full potential of the newly-combined network while continually advancing industry-leading safety and sustainability practices.

Lineas merges Dutch legal entities, creates Lineas Nederland

LINEAS, a formidable player in rail freight, has merged its Dutch legal entities, effective June 1 2023. This strategic consolidation unites a powerful trio of companies: Independent Rail Partner B.V., Independent Rail Management B.V. and Lineas Nederland B.V.

"This decision is strategic: it allows us to strengthen our visibility in the Dutch market, which we intend to further expand. In this way, we bring more clarity

for our current and future customers and employees," stated Bernard Gustin, Lineas Executive Chairman.

This merger signifies a significant milestone in Lineas' growth strategy.

By harmonising expertise, resources, and invaluable experience, Lineas Nederland B.V. will elevate its ability to provide even more efficient and customer-centric solutions to its clientele, says the company. All

existing agreements with suppliers and customers of the aforementioned companies have been seamlessly transitioned, ensuring uninterrupted fulfillment of all obligations by Lineas Nederland B.V., without any alterations.

RAISING THE STANDARD FOR VALÈNCIA-FONT DE SANT LLUÍS

THE ADIF-BACKED intermodal terminal in the València-Font possess capabilities to enhance the transportation of goods 150,000 Intermodal Transport Units (UTI) and accommodate ally. The terminal's two gantry cranes will provide storage equivalent of a 20-foot container.

During a meeting in Valencia, representatives from (APV), and Grupo Alonso presented the project for the dustry stakeholders. The strategic importance of these transport was emphasised during the meeting.

The València-Font de Sant Lluís logistics node, situated near the Port of Valencia, holds international significance. Transport Network and serves as a vital node for the intermodality of transport services. This infrastructure standard gauge between Valencia and the French border. and is linked to the development of the Logistics Activities cavalencia.

Five different areas of the new node

José Luis Soria, the manager of Adif's Eastern Logistics ferent areas of the new node: the intermodal terminal, €35 million by Adif, a real estate logistics area with warehouses complementary activities related to transportation, such iary services for personnel.

The intermodal terminal will be equipped with 5G coverage, tise ten major logistics terminals in Spain considered aims to promote process automation and reduce freight structure enables the provision of advanced logistics services, smart management of cargo traffic, resulting in faster transit ity. Additionally, it facilitates efficient interconnection the rail system, leading to more sustainable and intelligent

The construction project for the València-Font de Sant minal (first phase) and the implementation of 5G coverage through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, NextGenerationEU programme.

Adif, as the owner of the facilities, will manage shunting nodal capacity with the access lines to the terminal. It Mediterranean Corridor and the operation of standard

Manage common spaces

Grupo Alonso, the operating company for a 14-year concession er six years, will primarily focus on the commercial1sation ed tasks.

Jorge Alonso, the president and CEO of Grupo Alonso, transforming Fuente de San Luis into a flexible, modern, modal terminal. Their aim is to provide customers with of merchandise within the terminal itself. This includes houses, a container and semi-trailer repair workshop, cold building, and automated access and exit systems. València Plataforma Intermodal-ZAL will be responsible ploitation of the real estate logistics plot. Joan Calabuig, that the Font de Sant Lluís intermodal station project between local (Valencia City Council), regional (Valencian Puertos of the State, Port Authority, and Adif) entities,

It will reinforce standard gauge traffic between Valencia and the French border

València-Font de Sant Lluís logistics node will goods in Spain. It will be able to handle accommodate up to 2600 freight trains annustorage capacity for 2500 TEU per year, the

from Adif, the Port Authority of Valencia the new intermodal logistics node to inthese figures in reinforcing Spain's goods situated in the Mediterranean Corridor significance. It forms part of the Trans-European interconnection, interoperability, and will enable the movement of trains in border. It complements the Port of Valencia Activities Zone (ZAL) of the port and Mer-

Logistics Services area, outlined the five difterminal, which involves an investment of over warehouses for cargo handling and various such as heavy vehicle parking and auxilcoverage, as part of Adif's plan to digistrategically important. This initiative freight transport costs by rail. The 5G infraservices, partial or total automation, and transit times and improved intermodalamong the primary transport nodes of intelligent mobility.

Sant Lluís intermodal and logistics tercoverage will receive European funding Plan, financed by the European Union's shunting activities and co-ordinate the It will ensure unrestricted access to the gauge vehicles and locomotives.

ADIF has set aside a total of €107.3 million to fund the driving services for its locomotives over a span of four years. These locomotives are utilised for various operations, including maintenance work and attending to incidents on the railway network.

The allocated budget will cover a range of tasks associated with the operation of these locomotives. This encompasses the initial circulation of trains at the start of commercial operations, the operation of maintenance trains for necessary repair work, and the provision of additional services to address incidents in the infrastructure.

Furthermore, the funding also encompasses other preparatory activities related to the railway system. These activities include the planning

of train circulations, managing capacity requests, and ensuring effective fuel management.

The provision of these services has been distributed in four lots, both for the conventional and high-speed network lines:

The northwestern and eastern zone has been awarded to the joint venture Ferrovial Construcción and Captrain España, for €26.8 million and €30.8 million, respectively;

The South and Northwest area has been entrusted to the UTE Tracción Rail and Redalsa for €26.8 million and €22.9 million, respectively.

This action contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (promotion of the development of reliable, sustainable and quality infrastructures)..

concession period, extendable for anothcommercial1sation of the terminal and other associat-

Alonso, emphas1sed their objective of modern, and innovative 21st century interwith comprehensive services for all types includes facilities such as dry and cold warecold storage towers, an administration responsible for the commercialisation and exCalabuig, the president of the PAV, highlighted exemplifies institutional collaboration (Valencian Government), and central (Mitma, as well as the public-private manage

ment model. Furthermore, he emphas1sed that this initiative aligns with Valenciaport's decarbon1sation plan and contributes to the goal of sustainability. Valenciaport has committed 15 million euros to the project.

Calabuig also mentioned other investments and initiatives by Valenciaport, including rail access to Sagunto, various investments in the Cantabrian-Mediterranean Corridor, the reorgan1sation and expansion of the internal network of the Port of Valencia, the Intermodal in Sagunto, the PLAZA terminal in Zaragoza, the Dry Port of Madrid-Coslada, and agreements with intermodal logistics projects in Albacete, Alcázar de San Juan, among others.

CSX AMONG TOP 100 US COMPANIES IN FORBES SUSTAINABILITY RANKING

CSX Corporation has emerged as a dominant force in the battle against climate change, securing its "rightful place among the elite" on Forbes Net Zero Leaders list. This prestigious ranking celebrates the commitment of the top 100 US companies, including CSX, that are spearheading the charge towards reducing their carbon footprint and achieving ambitious sustainability objectives.

“Rail is the most fuel-efficient mode of landbased freight transportation, and CSX has taken a leadership role in demonstrating how rail will play a key role in creating a more sustainable supply chain,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are continuing to introduce innovative technologies and operating practices that further improve fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

This accolade adds yet another feather to the cap of CSX, which has long been hailed as a paragon of sustainability within the transportation industry, says the railroad.

Placed an impressive sixth on the esteemed Forbes Net Zero Leaders ranking, CSX stands head and shoulders above its peers, an undeniable testament to its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative practices. The prestigious list, meticulously crafted and featured on Forbes.com, underscores CSX's unwavering dedication to lead the charge towards a sustainable future.

Esteemed research providers

Forbes meticulously collated data from esteemed research providers Sustainalytics and Morningstar to create the groundbreaking Net Zero ranking. This ranking recogn1ses the companies that demonstrate unparalleled potential to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and seamlessly transition to a low-carbon economy by the year 2050. The publication scrupulously assessed factors such as the resilience of companies' climate governance, their strategic approach to mitigating risks, and their competitive strength and financial standing. Each company was evaluated in the context of their respective industry and geographical location.

CSX's exceptional environmental stewardship has

not gone unnoticed, garnering accolades from various quarters. USA TODAY, recognising CSX's resolute commitment to combatting climate change, named the company one of America's Climate Leaders. Furthermore, CSX stands as the sole US transportation company to be included in the esteemed 2023 S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook. Impressively, CSX has solidified its place in the Dow Jones North America Sustainability Index for an astounding 12 consecutive years, a testament to its unwavering sustainability performance and its ability to consistently meet rigorous criteria. To delve further into CSX's remarkable sustainability achievements and pioneering initiatives, visit csx.com/esg and witness their extraordinary legacy firsthand.

FrT FEATURES 2023

In 2023, Freight Tracks issues will contain a series of monthly in-depth feature articles on rail freight business topics. Our writers will look at the subject from different angles to give a 360o oversight. These will be perfect places for advertisements to reach your customers.

editor@freight-tracks.com

June

Rolling stock leasing

July

Automotive

August

EU rail freight

September

North American rail freight

October

UK & Ireland rail freight

November

Freight locomotives

December

Prospects for 2024

A ‘freight’ way to promote Martin House Children’s Hospice

IN a heartwarming event held at York Railway Station on Friday June 2, the Martin House Children's Hospice revealed its presence across the entire United Kingdom with the introduction of a beautifully adorned locomotive. DB Cargo UK's Class 66 freight locomotive (66190) now proudly displays the hospice's vibrant new branding, aiming to raise awareness of its invaluable palliative care services throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

The collaboration between DB Cargo UK, Network Rail, and the hospice reached a significant milestone as they presented a generous donation of £200,000. This remarkable achievement was made possible through four years of dedicated fundraising efforts by the rail industry. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes to the volunteer Branch Line Society for organising special fundraising charter trains, inspired by the personal experience of Network Rail colleague Charlotte Bullock. Charlotte's son, Luca, who was born with multiple disabilities, benefited greatly from the care provided by Martin House. Though both Charlotte and Luca have since passed away, their memory continues to inspire ongoing fundraising endeavours within the rail industry.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, representatives from the industry and local community gathered at Platform 3 of York Rail Station. The grand unveiling of the newly adorned locomotive filled the air with joy and hope. Subsequently, an exclusive journey to the nearby Drax Power Station, another substantial contributor

to Martin House, was arranged, further cementing the bond between the hospice and its remarkable supporters.

Spread the word

DB Cargo UK’s Chief Sales Officer Roger Neary said: “We are delighted to be in a position to spread the word about the amazing work undertaken by Martin House Children’s Hospice.”

“Our colleagues are proud to utilise their skills and expertise to run charter services for such a worthy organisation and I’m sure this striking new livery will turn heads our locomotive is out and about on the rail network,” he added.

Rosie Mellor-Silvester, Head of Regional and Individual Giving Fundraising at Martin House Children’s Hospice, who will perform today’s official unveiling, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Martin House Children’s Hospice is receiving the honour of having a locomotive named after us. This is a fantastic extension of our ongoing partnership with the Charter Train team, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Jerry Dickinson, a Senior Incident Controller at Network Rail

and whose brainchild the charter trains are, said: “It is fantastic to see a DB Cargo UK freight locomotive named in honour of such a deserving charity. We have worked closely with them and others to deliver a series of fundraising charter trains with our voluntary promoter, the Branch Line Society.”

The name of Martin House Children’s Hospice will soon be seen across the length and breadth of the UK after a newly-liveried locomotive was unveiled

KALMAR ELECTRIC REACHSTACKERS CHOSEN BY

FRENCH

TERMINAL OPERATOR BTM

KALMAR, part of Cargotec, has concluded an agreement to supply French multimodal terminal operator BTM with two Kalmar electric reachstackers. The machines will be operated at Terminal Ouest Provence (TOP), a new multimodal development due to be completed in Q2 2024. The order was booked in Cargotec’s Q2 2023 order intake and the machines are scheduled to be delivered during Q1 2024.

TOP is a new intermodal terminal being developed to the north of Marseille by the Open Modal Group, of which BTM is a subsidiary. BTM will operate the terminal, which will handle trains operated by T3M and drawn by Combirail, both subsidiaries of Open Modal Group. Open Modal aims to integrate and decarbonise its intermodal transport chain, including road transport, and has selected Kalmar electric reachstackers to support this goal. BTM’s reachstacker fleet already includes six diesel-powered Kalmar reachstackers.

The Kalmar electric reachstacker, which offers lifting capacities of up to 45 tonnes, improves the eco-efficiency of cargo-handling operations while allowing customers to main-

tain the highest levels of productivity and safety. The reachstacker is available with a range of modular battery options and charging solutions. Kalmar is currently the only supplier manufacturing fully electric reachstackers in Europe.

Christophe Lefel, General Manager, BTM said "Kalmar’s electric reachstacker is a proven, reliable solution that eliminates at-source emissions, supporting our decarbonisation objectives. When selecting new equipment for the fleet at TOP, reliability was high on our agenda alongside zero emissions, and it is for these reasons that we have chosen to partner with Kalmar.”

Sebastien Proenca, Country Director, France, Kalmar added: “More and more terminal operators are choosing to go electric in order to minimise airborne emissions and noise. Our proven electric reachstacker solution offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of battery and charging options, making it a popular choice among operators who are seeking to decarbonise their operations. We are delighted that BTM has chosen our solution for TOP.”

India report

Why running electric trains is a superior option than hydrogen trains in India

RAILWAY EXPERT AND COMMENTATOR

Lalit Chandra Trivedi

1. Hydrogen trains make sense when hydrogen is green, that is produced by renewables.

2. If renewable-based electricity is consumed directly by grid, the process efficiency is 100%.

3. Process efficiency of renewable based electricity consumed via Electricity/Hydrogen/Electricity route is 30-40% besides associated cost of storage and transportation.

4. Indian electricity grid presently consumes 70% of electricity produced by burning coal.

5. Presently there is no point in using renewable-based electricity for producing green hydrogen, as currently its production is less than the requirement of the Indian electricity grid.

6. If without meeting 100% requirements of Indian electricity grid, the renewable-based electricity is diverted for producing green hydrogen, we will lose 70% electricity in the transformation Electricity/Hydrogen/Electricity, simultaneously will be burning more coal to produce electricity to meet grid requirements.

7. The developed world is using surplus electricity of renewables for green hydrogen production as some of the European countries are facing points when renewables produce electricity more than their grid’s capacity to absorb.

8. Even after we reach the point of surplus renewables capacity, that is when production of renewable-based electricity is more than the requirement of the grid,

first claim on green hydrogen should be at places like, fertiliser factories, refineries, food hydrogenation plant, steel production and so on where green hydrogen can be used at the point of production without bearing the cost of storage and transportation.

9. With 100% electrification of railway tracks, Indian Railways (IR) is able to ensure seamless movement of efficient electric locomotives across the length and breadth of IR network.

For hydrogen trains, it will take ages to develop hydrogen replenishing points over entire IR network (minimum requirements -250 ).

On the other hand creating an island for hydrogen operations will again push IR into silos of traction.

The efficiency of railways is at maximum when a locomotive can run over long distances in a seamless manner across entire network. Detaching and attaching locomotives based on availability of traction erodes efficiency of rail transportation as IR experienced in era of mixed traction of diesel and electric motive power.

10. The eco-system of H2 road tankers to replenish these hydrogen re-fuelling points spread across the country will be a costly and gigantic task.

11. H2 is very light, hence the volumetric capacity required for storage and transportation of the same calorific value is multi-fold. This exponentially increases the cost of storage and transportation.

12. H2 makes steel brittle as it has propensity to enter molecular structure of storage tank material. This calls for special material for storage, increasing cost.

Texas gets $86m in fed funds to fix at-grade rail crossings

THE US Federal Railroad Administration will be releasing funds totaling some $86 million for five major grade-crossing projects in Texas cities through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program. The funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress. When completed, the projects in the Houston region, Amarillo, San Antonio and Fort Worth area will help reduce train-vehicle collisions and blocked rail crossings from long trains.

“Separating railroads from vehicle traffic is one of the best ways to improve safety and ease congestion for communities,” TxDOT Rail Division Director Jeff Davis said. “Many people, including first responders, can be delayed by blocked railroad crossings, and so not only can these projects avoid those delays, but they can also prevent crashes between trains and vehicles.”

This inaugural round of $570 million in funding will address more than 400 at-grade crossings nationwide, improve safety, and make it easier to get around railroad tracks by adding grade separations, closing at-grade crossings, and improving existing at-grade crossings where train tracks and roads intersect. Last year, there were more than 2000 highway-rail crossing collisions in the US and more than 30,000 reports of blocked crossings submitted to FRA’s public complaint portal.

"Every year, commuters, residents, and first responders lose valuable time waiting at blocked railroad crossings – and worse, those crossings are too often the site of collisions that could be prevented,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re improving rail crossings in communities across the country to save lives, time,

and resources for American families.”

Even more could have been accomplished around the state if the Texas legislature would have approved a rail transportation rider request of $200 million sought for the state Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund in the session just ended. Those funds could have been leveraged for more FRA competitive grants in safety improvements at other at-grade crossings in need of upgrades.

Here is the breakdown of the five projects that will receive federal funding:

Houston: Phase 1 of the West Belt Improvement Project - $36,916,200

The project will fund a 9000 foot sealed corridor, construct four underpasses, close four at-grade crossings, and eliminate seven at-grade road-

way-rail crossings total—crossings where more than 850 incidents of train blockages have been reported this year through FRA's online portal. In addition to reducing commuter disruptions and delays, decreased vehicle idling at crossings will improve air quality and save people an estimated $12.7 million in lost fuel, according to the city. Texas is second in the nation in grade crossing fatalities, and this project will increase safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, as well as reliable access for first responders. The Phase 1 project being funded by the Biden-Harris Administration and the City of Houston is also a critical step in developing a future 5-mile long quiet zone that will improve quality of life and remove train horn noise for nearly 15,000 households.

Dayton: US 90

Grade Separation Project - Up

to $19,550,000

The proposed project will support construction to remove two at-grade rail crossings. The project closes the at-grade crossing along Waco Street and builds a grade separated bridge to eliminate the US 90 highway-rail crossing over existing UPRR tracks. FRA previously funded project development activities for these crossings under an FY19 CRISI Grant. The project includes $25,466,157 in Federal Highway Administration funds, and the Texas Department of Transportation will contribute a 20% non- Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Haslet-Fort Worth-Saginaw Corridor: Bonds Ranch Road Grade Separation Project - Up To $17,187,552

The proposed project will support final design and construction for a four-lane grade separated road with new multimodal shared-use bicycle and pedestrian pathways. This project will improve safety at rail crossing right-of way owned by BNSF and provide transportation modal alternatives. The project includes $229,167 in Federal Highway Administration funds, and the City of Fort Worth and BNSF will contribute 24% in non-Federal match funds.

Amarillo: NE 24th Avenue Railroad Overpass - Up To $8,425,000

The proposed project will fund final design and construction to eliminate an existing grade crossing by building an overpass for an existing five-lane arterial road over rail line. The project proposes to build a modern, multi-modal bridge in the Eastridge Neighborhood in East Amarillo, resulting in the elimination of a grade crossing for the BNSF rail line at this location. This grade separation will provide a safe connection for all modes of transportation for residents of Eastridge and surrounding neighborhoods to the rest of Amarillo, and it adds capacity to NE 24th Avenue which serves as an expanding economic anchor in the area. The City of Amarillo will contribute a 26 percent non-Federal match.

San Antonio: Rittiman Road Grade Separation Project - Up To $4,886,512

The proposed project will support project development and final design to eliminate an at-grade crossing where Rittiman Road and Union Pacific's rail line intersect and to build a grade-separated road overpass.

The project will design solutions to eliminate issues with vehicular traffic encountering trains blocking the crossing multiple times per day (projected to be blocked 40 percent of peak period without improvements by 2045) due to high train volume and rail operations. The City of San Antonio will partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to provide a 20 non-Federal percent match.

“The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program is another critical tool that FRA is using to make a lasting impact on the safety and transportation needs of communities nationwide,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “With these project selections and the many more that are to come, we will save lives and reshape infrastructure in ways that allow individuals to move through their neighborhoods seamlessly and safely.”

For years, FRA has received complaints from citizens, states, and localities regarding the delays and disruptions caused by frequently blocked crossings that force residents to wait hours at intersections or take detours. These delays and disruptions can also prevent first responders from getting to emergencies quickly. Further, over 2000 collisions occur every year at highway-rail grade crossings. The projects selected for funding in the first year of this program will greatly improve the quality of life in communities big and small, creating safer rail crossings and allowing people to get to and from their homes, schools, businesses, hospitals, fire stations, and workplaces without being stranded and delayed by a standing train.

SWISS GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS "ROLLENDE LANDSTRASSE" UNTIL END OF 2028

THE Swiss federal government actively backs the Rollende Landstrasse (Rola) for transporting trucks via rail in transalpine goods traffic, demonstrating unwavering support until the conclusion of 2028. Following the National Council's decision, the Council of States also emphatically endorsed this measure.

In alignment with the National Council, the Council of States authorised the federal government to allocate CHF 106m supporting Rola from 2024 to 2028.

Since 2001, Rola has provided approximately 100,000 opportunities annually for truck transfer from road to rail, facilitating transit between Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany and Novara, Italy. This number has settled at around 80,000 per year. Under a framework agreement with RAlpin AG, the operator, the federal government continues to finance the rolling highway (Rola) until the end of this year. However, the agreement will expire at the end of December.

While the UKV trains do not accommodate drivers in their carriages, Rola provides dedicated train carriages for accompanying drivers.

Nevertheless, both the National Council and the Council of States acknowledged a genuine risk of trucks returning to the roads if the financial support from the federal government ceases at the end of 2026. The construction of an expanded goods loading terminal in Novara, Italy is only slated for completion in 2028, thus warranting an extension of the support.

Hans Stöckli (SP/BE) also emphasised that the constitutional objective of shifting transalpine road traffic to rail, as stipulated by law, remains unattained. The objective sets forth a maximum of 650,000 truck crossings over the Swiss Alps per year.

"We witness the significance of Rola on a daily basis," stated Uri Councilor Heidi Z'graggen, alluding to the frequent traffic congestion on the Gotthard motorway.

If the Federal Council decides to extend the federal support, it would necessitate an internal compensation of CHF20 million annually, as explained by Federal Councillor and Minister of Transport Albert Rösti. However, he is uncertain where these funds would originate.

NEW TIMBER TRANSPORTS BOLZANO TO AUSTRIA

IN response to the devastating bark beetle infestation in South Tyrol, a rapid and efficient timber transportation system has been implemented to move substantial quantities of timber from the region to other sawmills.

Despite the recent closure of the Bolzano railway station, the first timber train has successfully made its journey from South Tyrol to North Tyrol. In recent years, the forests of South Tyrol have suffered greatly from a

TRANSPORTS FROM AUSTRIA

widespread infestation of bark beetles.

To mitigate further damage, an unprecedented deforestation effort is underway. However, the local sawmills in South Tyrol are struggling to cope with the immense volume of timber, which reached a staggering five million cubic metres last year alone.

Consequently, the timber needs to be transported to external sawmills for processing. Rail transport is the ideal solution in this case, but the closure of the Bolzano railway station has prevented any rail transports from taking place in the region.

Through a collaborative effort involving the Rail Traction Company (RTC), Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), Rail Cargo Group (RCG), the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol, and the City of Bolzano, the Bolzano freight station has been revived, and the railway tracks have been restored within a few months.

The inaugural journey of the first timber train has been completed, traveling from South Tyrol through the Brenner Pass to North Tyrol. Going forward, multiple transports consisting of 17 wagons per train will be conducted several times a week using this sustainable rail transportation system. Future plans also include utilizing other border crossings such as Tarvisio to Austria.

This logistical solution eliminates the need for over 100 truck journeys per week that were previously required to transport timber through the Brenner Pass.

Not only does this significantly benefit the environment, but it also reduces transit traffic and alleviates the burden on local residents.

This successful implementation serves as a prime example of how a flexible rail solution can be realized within a relatively short timeframe when all partners collaborate across national borders.

DP World pushing modal shift

ERNST Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, UK at DP World is "delighted" to announce a groundbreaking initiative that we have undertaken to revolutionise customers' transportation practices. DP World UK has introduced a cutting-edge strategy to directly incentivise customers to transition their imported goods from road transport to rail, marking a significant milestone in operations.

The revolutionary initiative, the 'Modal Shift Programme,' aims to enhance the appeal of intermodal rail transport by offering carefully crafted financial incentives. This not only benefits customers but also contributes to their ambitious net zero goals, allowing them to make substantial progress in their sustainability efforts.

Starting in September, it will be conducting a trial of the 'Modal Shift Programme' at DP World's Southampton logistics hub for an initial duration of 12 months. This trial holds immense potential, as it has the capability to prevent a staggering 30,000 tonnes of carbon

dioxide emissions annually.

Given the pressing need to embrace more environmentally friendly modes of transportation in order to combat climate change, this announcement serves as a strong endorsement of DP World's commitment to sustainability. The company hopes its customers will view this initiative as a valuable means of accelerating their own decarbonization endeavors.

THE RUNAWAY WAGON THAT CAME over the hill

AT approximately 21:10 on the evening of May 25 2023, an incident unfolded at the UK's Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Kineton Munitions Depot in Warwickshire. An empty wagon hurtled away from the exchange sidings, defying all attempts to stop it. The rogue wagon embarked on a perilous journey, traversing a distance of over one mile (1.6 km). It careened over two farm crossings and crossed a level crossing on a public road.

Ultimately, the wagon came to a halt just beyond the level crossing. During the incident a gate in the yard bore the brunt of the wagon's destructive trajectory.

To compound the gravity of the situation, it is worth noting that the wagon had been ostensibly secured prior to its escape. The responsibility for its immobilisation was the responsibility of the staff of Kuehne + Nagel,

acting under a contractual obligation to the Ministry of Defence.

It is now the responsibility of the Rail Accident Investigations Branch (RAIB) to conduct a thorough investigation, delving into the sequence of events that precipitated this catastrophe. Its scrutiny will extend beyond mere events and delve into the actions of all involved parties, dissecting any external factors that may have played a role in shaping their decisions. Furthermore, the board will examine the efficacy of the measures implemented by Kuehne + Nagel and the Ministry of Defence to mitigate the risks associated with runaway vehicles.

A focal point of investigation will be an evaluation of the design and maintenance of the wagon's braking system.

CSX donates $5m to B&O museum

CSX is to make a gift of $5 million to the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, towards the museum’s $30 million capital campaign in anticipation of the B&O railroad’s bicentennial anniversary in 2027.

“CSX is proud to support the future of the B&O Railroad Museum and help expand its role in the community,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and chief executive officer. “As the successor to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, CSX has been an integral part of the Maryland economy for generations. We are thrilled to be able to deliver this substantial contribution and serve as a catalyst of growth for this iconic institution and the Baltimore community.”

The donation will be used to build the “CSX Bicentennial Garden,” an amphitheater and multi-use space that can host local organizations and hold community gatherings. This installation will serve as a vibrant event space and provide a fresh, new location to welcome visitors to the museum. CSX is the first corporate patron to pledge support for the campaign, which will improve the overall campus flow, add state-of-the-art educational space, including an Innovation Hall focused on pres-

ent-day and future railroad technology, house extensive historical archives, and spark community economic development.

“Today, we celebrate another great partnership between CSX and the State of Maryland as we honor the birthplace of American railroading, the B&O Railroad Museum,” said Governor Wes Moore.

“This campus transformation will serve our administration’s goals of connecting institutions with their neighboring communities, expanding workforce training opportunities on campus, creating publicly accessible open space, and remodeling the South Car Works building, our nation’s oldest, continuously operating railroad repair facility as the new entryway to the Museum. Maryland will be ready to celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2027.”

First miles

Baltimore built the first miles of America’s railroads. And for nearly 200 years CSX and the B&O Railroad have been essential to the growth of Baltimore’s economy and community. From the Howard Street Tunnel modernization project to preserving the city’s heritage at the historic B&O Railroad

Museum, CSX continues to invest in and serve the community it has proudly called home for nearly two centuries.

"We are profoundly grateful to CSX for their extraordinary commitment to the preservation and celebration of our nation's railroad

heritage," said Kris Hoellen, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “This significant contribution of $5 million dollars marks a milestone in our campaign towards transforming our campus in preparation for the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027. We

thank CSX for their leadership to catalyse our campaign and for recognizing the importance of creating a beautiful, publicly accessible space in Southwest Baltimore, the CSX Bicentennial Garden.”

Public-private partnerships helps the museum’s continued

ability to tell the story of how railroading has shaped the history of America. With the inaugural contribution, CSX is encouraging fellow corporate partners to support the museum’s campaign - investing in Maryland and the future of Baltimore communities.

www.freight-tracks.com

keepING US short lines SAFE

rep. byron donalds reintroduces legislation to secure disaster relief

US Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) (pictured) has reintroduced H.R. 3782 - The Short Line Railroad Relief Act alongside Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Mary Miller (R-IL), Jake LaTurner (RKS), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Troy

Nehls (R-TX). This legislation authorises the establishment of a disaster relief programme to provide much-needed immediate financial assistance to the nation's short line railroads.

“Just months ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, causing historic devastation in our community," said Congressman Donalds. "Among one of the hardest hit

SAFE FROM MOTHER NATURE

relief for short line railroads as hurricane season 2023 begins

entities in Southwest Florida was the Seminole Gulf Railway – which incurred catastrophic damage. When a storm of this magnitude hits any area of our nation, it is the federal government's responsibility to make available the necessary resources to rebuild and restore vital components of a community. As Hurricane Season 2023 begins, it is imperative that we estab-

lish a means in which America's short line railroads can receive critical relief in the event of natural disasters."

“Short line railroads are responsible for transporting a variety of goods across the country, and without support from Congress, many are forced to close shop after a natural disaster because of inadequate federal relief,” said Railroads,4

www.freight-tracks.com

Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls. "These small businesses must receive the support they need to stay afloat and keep our country moving after a natural disaster. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Byron Donalds, to provide much-needed relief for our nation’s short line railroads.”

“Americans have come to realise just how fragile our supply chains are. Short line railroads help save small businesses money and keep our supply chain moving,” said Congressman Mike Bost.

“The past couple years have demonstrated how devastating supply chain interruptions can be,” said Congressman Don Bacon.

“In the event of a natural disaster, short line railroads can play a critical recovery role, moving relief goods in and debris of all kinds out, yet no significant federal disaster relief options are available to them beyond small loans,” stated Chuck Baker, President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

“The Short Line Railroad Relief Act would provide parity across transportation modes, allowing for immediate deployment of grant funding to short line railroads, enabling them to turn their attention to rebuilding the local economy, particularly crucial in the small town and rural communities that we serve."

Background

The United States is home to more than 600 small business, short line freight railroads, that play a vital role in transporting materials from various economic sectors including: industrial manufacturing, agriculture, energy, chemicals, minerals, metals, timber, etc. Only a handful of short line railroads are government-owned, none are publicly traded and most short line railroads are private, small businesses.

Without short line railroads, freight would generally be diverted to highways—which could cost shippers up to four to six times more per shipment, or production would shift to other areas/industries. Any short line railroad closure would, over the course of one year, add thousands of additional semi-trucks on our nation’s roads & highways.

Currently, federal programs fail to provide short line railroads with immediate financial relief after natural disasters. Commercial insurance for short lines is also often unavailable, doesn’t provide adequate coverage following

a natural disaster, or is unaffordable at a viable rate for small businesses. Short line railroads are generally one natural disaster away from being forced to close shop, which would ultimately result in gaping holes and negative impacts throughout our country’s volatile supply chain.

The Short Line Railroad Relief Act is the thirty-third bill introduced by Rep. Donalds during the 118th Congress and addresses this urgent concern by authorising the establishment of a disaster relief program for American short line railroads. The program will be headed by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administrator.

BRITISH Steel’s Rail business is celebrating another successful contract win with Belgian railway infrastructure manager Infrabel.

The 4-year agreement will see British Steel supply 40,000 tonnes of high-quality rail in various profiles for the maintenance and renewal of track across the Belgian rail network.

Deliveries are scheduled to start this month.

Highly competitive market

Jérôme Bonef, British Steel’s Export Sales Manager, Rail, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract and look forward to working in partnership with Infrabel over the next four years.

“We operate in a highly competitive market so it’s extremely pleasing that Infrabel has selected us to supply rail for the Belgian network once more. It’s a great endorsement of our proven technical record, ability to develop products to meet demand, superb logistics solution and excellent delivery performance – securing another contract with a national network operator is a source of enormous pride.”

The 100-metre-long rails will be manufactured at British Steel’s Rail and Section Mill in Scunthorpe, before making

their way by rail to Infrabel’s welding facility in Belgium.

The announcement comes a short time after British Steel announced it had secured a major export deal for West Africa. The agreement will see the company supply the Guinea Bauxite Company with 244,000 steel sleepers – its largest ever order for rail sleepers.

Jérôme said: “By working in partnership with our customers we can offer superb value for money by reducing the need for costly and time-consuming maintenance and replacement works. The less disruption to a network, the greater the flow of traffic – major benefits felt by passengers and freight operators.

“We look forward to continuing to work together collaboratively with Infrabel as we deliver high-quality products into this partnership.”

UIC launches UIC Rail Academy

UIC, the worldwide rail organisation, ihas launched its UIC Rail Academy. François Davenne, UIC Director General, underlined this important step taken by the UIC, for the benefit of the sector as a whole, specifying that this Academy is part of the association's strategic objectives for the period 20232025.

He said: "There is a need to rethink learning strategies to develop the skills of staff and to attract the talent of the future. A flexible, well-trained and motivated workforce is key to a competitive and innovative sector. To this end, several types of training will be proposed with the establishment of a UIC Rail Academy. This objective is to offer the rail sector an express route to upskill staff, enabling them to confidently face the challenges ahead. In this way, UIC wishes to extend the rail sector’s capacity for innovation and improve the sector’s competitiveness by making full use of the knowhow of its rail experts. UIC will go on supporting regional training centres and create synergies between them in order to meet the specific needs of members in the regions within a common framework.

"The academy is set up in partnership with the leading provider of telecoms technology training solutions, Wray Castle. At UIC, this ambitious project is being led by Jean-Mi-

chel Evanghelou, Director Telecom, Signalling & Digital Applications, Meryem Belhaj-Clot, Deputy HR Director and Head of Talent & Expertise development, Charles Rosseel, Head of Transversal projects."

UIC and Wray Castle will collaborate to develop the UIC Rail Academy featuring a suite of specialists training solutions.

Launch at the UIC FRMCS conference

With the introduction of FRMCS, a technology based upon the latest 5G technologies, the international rail industry faces a period of transition from the existing GSM-R technology first introduced in 2000.

The partnership is designed to build knowledge and upskill experienced engineers as well as those new to rail radio engineering and associated industries.

The partnership will provide those within the railway industry the opportunity to benefit from the following learning programmes:

• FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) - Developed in partnership with the UIC, the new course explores the latest developments in the specification for FRMCS.

• Legacy Rail Radio Engineering Courses – Ensuring participants understand existing technologies including GSM-R.

• Foundation telecom training courses - enabling participants to get up to speed with the foundation of telecoms technologies.

Jean-Michel Evanghelou, Director Telecom, Signalling & Digital Applications at UIC said: ”In working with Wray Castle, we have a partner who understands both our existing GSM-R technology and the latest 5G technology that UIC members need to understand to ensure a smooth and successful deployment of FRMCS. UIC’s ambition is for the first FRMCS test networks to go live in 2026 and this partnership fulfils UIC’s role to facilitate the realisation of this ambition by delivering effective training programmes, available now, to help member organisations upskill their workforce.”

Andrew White, Group CEO of Wray Castle said “With over 60 years’ experience, Wray Castle is regarded as the gold standard in technical training within the global telecoms’ world. During a technology transition as significant as GSM-R to FRMCS, it’s critical to fully understand the existing GSM-R system as well as the new 5G technology upon which FRMCS is based. We are committed to working together, in partnership with UIC and its members to realise UIC’s ambitions.”

ON THIS DAY: RAILFREIGHT

JUNE 13

1928 THE first tests are performed with the first rail detector car, invented by Elmer Ambrose Sperry, Sr. (1860-1930) in Beacon, NY. The American Railway Association (ARA) commissioned Sperry to put his laboratory equipment on a car and to test rails in track.

This detector car was hailed by the Bureau of Safety of the Interstate Commerce Commission as the greatest advance in the safety of railroading in sixteen years.

JUNE 14

1965 THE 24-hour clock is rolled out to all remaining British Rail public and working timetables a year after it had been introduced on the Western Region on June 15, 1964. Córas Iompair Éireann inroduced 24-hour clock public timetables from June 12 1967 and Northern Ireland two weeks later.

JUNE 15

1973 THE Chessie System became the parent of B&O, C&O, and Western Maryland.

JUNE 17

1998 AT approximately 15:45, St. Lawrence & Hudson Railway freight train #501-16, travelling westward on the south main track of the Galt Subdivision, ON, struck two stationary track units, a small crane and a lorry, at Mile 37.8.

The wheels of the lorry became entangled underneath the second locomotive and punctured the fuel tank, spilling approximately 2000 gallons of diesel fuel oil. There were no injuries.

JUNE 18

1831 THE John Bull 4-2-0 steam locomotive (later rebuilt as a 4-4-0) is constructed by Robert Stephenson and Company in England.

Built by Robert Stephenson and Company, the John Bull was initially purchased by and operated for the Camden and Amboy Railroad, the first railroad in New Jersey, which gave John Bull the number 1 and its first name, Stevens. Robert L. Stevens was president of the Camden and Amboy Railroad at the time.

1910 US Congress passed the Mann-Elkins Act which allowed the Interstate Commerce Commission to begin proceedings against railroads, pipelines, terminals, telegraph, and telephone companies in violation of rate regulations.

RAILFREIGHT HISTORY

1960 THE Middleton Railway, Leeds becomes the first standard gauge line in Great Britain to be operated as a preserved railway by volunteers. First services are diesel-hauled and the line carried freight until 1983.

JUNE 20

1940 The first WW2 incident on the GWR. Four wagons and signal wires are damaged, with one wagon completely destroyed, in an attack on Cardiff Roath basin at 00:40.

JUNE 21

1948 ALCO delivers its last steam locomotive, the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad 2-8-4 #9406. The company had started making steam locomotives in 1901.

1966 A NEW regular Freightliner daytime train, linking Glasgow with London, starts. It will run four days a week. There is a balancing northwards Freightliner service.

1970 PENN Central declared bankruptcy, the largest corporate bankruptcy in US history at the time.

JUNE 22

1799 JOSEPH Pease, railway promoter, is born at Darlington, County Durham. He would later become a proponent and supporter of the earliest public railway system in the world and was the first Quaker permitted to take his seat in Parliament.

1937 AMERICAN folk and blues musician Huddie William Ledbetter (1889 -1949) records Rock Island Line, the first of many recordings he made during his career.

The first audio recording of the song was made

by folklorist and musicologist John A. Lomax at the Tucker, Arkansas prison farm on September 29, 1934.

1953 AT the Annual Association of American Railroads railroad show, the first Fairbanks-Morse Train Master diesel locomotives and Airslide covered hoppers are displayed. Significantly for the future of the railroads, this is the first occasion that no new steam locomotives are on display at the show.

1959 WAPPING & Salthouse goods depot, which served the Albert, Salthouse and Wapping Docks in Liverpool and was located close to the city centre, closes after 57 years of operation

1972 ERIE Lackawanna Railroad files for bankruptcy after damage by Hurricane Agnes. It is among the properties conveyed to Conrail.

JUNE 23

1823 ROBERT Stephenson, his father George Stephenson, Edward Pease and Michael Longridge form Robert Stephenson & Company in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The engineering and locomotive manufacturer is the first company in the world set up specifically to build railway engines.

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