Port of Montreal Getting Green Locomotive

The Montreal Port Authority has signed an agreement with R. J. Corman Railpower to purchase a next-generation locomotive for $1.6 million, with an option for four more. The 2,000-horsepower GenSet locomotive uses technology developed in Canada by Railpower.

GenSet locomotives feature a power-regulating device that can start up one, two, or all three generators, depending on the size of the task at hand, thereby allowing for finer control of diesel fuel consumption. Furthermore, when the locomotive remains stationary for more than five minutes, the on-board computer puts the locomotive into standby mode, shutting off all the generators. According to the port, this system helps reduce fuel consumption by 30% and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50%.

"The Montreal Port Authority is proud to have made the replacement of its locomotive fleet an opportunity to work towards substantial reductions of diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.

Vachon also pointed out that the port's railway system, located dockside, is a decisive competitive advantage. "Our intermodal system, which makes it possible for put together trains loaded with containers right beside ships, is the envy of our competitors. In fact, they've named it the "Montreal model," she said.

The agreement with R. J. Corman Railpower followed a call for proposals launched in 2009. The purchase was made with federal assistance under Transport Canada's ecoFREIGHT program.