October 07, 2008

BNSF upgrades Seattle intermodal facility

It is reported that BNSF Railway Co and CSX Transportation are improving facilities associated with their two highest revenue generators: intermodal and coal.

BNSF said that it has recently installed four electric, rail mounted gantry cranes at the Seattle International Gateway intermodal facility. The cranes help increase throughput about 30% and absent pollutant emitting diesel engines and the need for diesel trucks to move containers within the facility widen SIG's green footprint. The cranes are wider than the traditional gantry cranes and can regenerate power each time they lower a load.

Mr Mike Burke assistant vice president of BNSF Intermodal Hub Operations said that "The installation of these wide-span cranes has nearly doubled the capacity at our SIG facility and reduces our impact on the environment while supporting the growth of international commerce at the Port of Seattle.”

Meanwhile, CSXT plans to expand and upgrade an Erwin, Tenn., terminal that serves as a key gateway for coal trains operating between Appalachian mines and receivers.

As part of an expanded project aimed at improving bulk service, the Class I will spend USD 6 million to lengthen track and complete structure work at the terminal to accommodate longer distributed-power coal and grain trains. CSXT also will spend about USD 3 million on communications and technology upgrades in the region to support distributed power and hire eight additional employees for the Erwin facility.