May 7 2008
Viterra Inc. will reduce emissions and traffic delays at its Pacific grain terminal in Vancouver with the acquisition of an N-ViroMotive(TM) GenSet locomotive from National Railway Equipment Co. (NREC).
The acquisition is being partially funded through the Government of Canada’s Freight Technology Incentives Program, which is designed to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions in the freight sector.
In a recent two-week operational test, the two-engine, 1,400 HP GenSet (2GS-14B) 4-axle unit demonstrated superior tractive effort, fuel and emissions savings compared to Pacific’s existing 1,200 HP switch engine.
“Though we knew this engine was a big fuel saver with extremely low emissions, we were astonished at its tractive effort,” says Bill Mooney, Viterra’s Director of Terminals. “While using only one of the NREC locomotive’s two GenSets (700 HP), we could pull 28 loaded grain cars at a time from the staging tracks over a railroad grade crossing to our elevators, versus only 12 cars when using our 1,200 HP unit. This means we can cut the number of times we block that very busy crossing by one-half to one-third."
Mooney added that during unloading operations, Pacific was able to handle 18 cars compared to six with its existing switcher, thereby further reducing traffic interruptions at another road crossing.
Mooney noted that reducing the frequency of grade crossings is important to the entire Port of Vancouver since there is very heavy container truck and other traffic. While reducing the time required to unload a train, the N-ViroMotive locomotive also significantly reduced noise in the local area.
James M. Wurtz, Jr., NREC’s Vice President Marketing and Sales noted, “This experience has shown another advantage to operating an N-ViroMotive locomotive. In this case, its exceptional tractive effort improves Pacific’s operational efficiency and significantly reduces congestion in this busy industrial area of Vancouver.”
Wurtz further pointed out the advantages of the N-ViroMotive locomotives:
- 80%+ reduction in nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions;
- 65%+ improved tractive effort efficiency;
- 40% to 65% average fuel savings;
- Micro-processor-based controls and modularized mechanical platforms, which decrease maintenance requirements by 50% or more, and;
Exceptionally low noise levels compared to traditional four and six axle locomotives.