Port Corpus Christi Inaugurates a Repowered Locomotive
Corpus Christi, TX – In a continuing effort to improve the environmental impacts of our operations, Port Corpus Christi, with the assistance of grant monies provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, repowered its 120 ton locomotive switch engine that is utilized at the Bulk Terminal. To celebrate a greener tomorrow, the port will inaugurate the locomotive on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center located at 402 Harbor Drive.
The locomotive switch engine is mainly used at the Bulk Terminal for moving rail cars associated with the loading and unloading of bulk materials by rail. With the growth occurring at the Bulk Terminal, the timing of this project is essential. “Environmental sustainability is part of our daily operations. The implementation of new technology to reduce emissions, provides the support the port needs for a sustainable business growth.” Said John LaRue, Executive Director.
The repowering of the locomotive consisted of replacing the existing 1,000 horsepower locomotive switch engine with two more modern industrial engines totaling 1,400 horsepower, 700 horsepower each. Repowering the locomotive modernized the engine technology which reduced NOx emissions by 49.2%, PM2.5 emissions by 65.2% and hydrocarbon emissions by 54.4%. In addition, the repowered locomotive has built in anti-idling technology and operates more efficiently, significantly reducing the amount of fuel consumed. Our area is currently in attainment of national air quality standards and this project is one of many that helps protect our areas air quality.
The Pollution Prevention Partnership partnered with Port Corpus Christi on this project providing emissions testing on the engine prior to repowering and also after the engine was repowered. The emissions testing consisted of measuring the opacity of the old engine compared to the repowered engine. Opacity is a measurement of the particulates (smoke) in the exhaust. The opacity of the locomotive front exhaust was 15.2% and the rear exhaust was 8.71% prior to repowering the locomotive. After the locomotive was repowered, the opacity of the front exhaust is 1.57% and the rear exhaust is 0.687% This is a significant reduction in particulates emitted in the exhaust.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided a grant in the amount of $1,026, 058.24 for this repower. Port Corpus Christi matched the grant dollars up to 25%. The repower was completed by RJ Corman Railpower Locomotives out of Alba, Iowa.
WHAT: CELEBRATION FOR A GREENER TOMORROW
WHEN: Wednesday, September 5, 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Congressman Solomn P. Ortiz International Center
About Port Corpus Christi
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45’ deep channel, (with a channel improvement project permitted and authorized to 52’) the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.”