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Rail and Locomotives
What You Can Do
Throughout the course of history, rail has served an efficient and reliable role in the movement of freight across the U.S. With the increasing trends of cargo freight, rail is now relying on methods of "double stacking" to meet the demands of cargo volume.
Some ports are even switching their trucks to on-dock rail to improve efficiency and reduce congestion at the port. Diesel engines from locomotives produce exhaust that emit pollutants.
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an incentive based collaboration between EPA and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
SmartWay Transport Partners lead the way towards a cleaner, more efficient transportation future by adopting fuel-saving strategies that increase profits and reduce emissions -- a "win-win" opportunity for all.
For more information, visit: www.epa.gov/smartway.
What Rail and Locomotives Can Do
- Reduce Idling for Rail Switchers
- Retrofit of rail switchers
- Retrofit of rail yard equipment (Railpower Hybrid Rubber Tire Gantry Crane)
- Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Reduce Idling for Rail Switchers
The fuel savings associated with some idle reduction technologies can actually pay for the system and save money in the near and long term. EPA's SmartWay program maintains a list of idle
reduction technologies.
Retrofit of rail yard equipment and switchers
Switcher locomotive terminals are typically located in close proximity to residential neighborhoods and are often older, high emitting engines. In addition, these locomotives are often operated long hours due to the nature of this business. Rail yard equipment and switchers are ideal targets to reduce emissions and gain significant benefits for neighboring communities.EPA encourages the use of retrofit devices, equipment replacement, and cleaner fuels which have been tested and verified to cut diesel emissions. See the Technologies page for a comprehensive summary of options.
Retrofit of rail yard equipment (Railpower Hybrid Rubber Tire Gantry Crane)
In 2010, EPA recognized the first hybrid Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) crane and the only battery assisted hybrid cranes that are installed in North America that will be used in a rail yard. RTGs are cranes used to lift and move shipping containers within a port facility. The Eco-Crane system (hybrid- battery/diesel power plants) were installed on RTGs on existing systems at Vanterm and Delta Port in the Port of Vancouver. The system demonstrated 70 percent fuel reduction measured in operation and an emission reduction between 65 percent and 80 percent, depending on the crane. The company has signed a contract with an OEM of cranes used in rail yards.
Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Switching to fuels that contain lower levels of sulfur reduces SO2 and PM and enhances retrofit technologies and has a cleaning effect on the engine which reduces maintenance costs and extends oil change intervals. Using ULSD is relatively easy to adapt and does not require equipment changes or modification and has been known to be the most popular and viable among ports.
Beginning in 2012, low sulfur diesel will be mandated for locomotives. Get a head start by voluntarily implementing ULSD and reaping the benefits early.
For more practices and strategies ports can take to reduce emissions, visit the Technologies page.