CN launch eco-container chassis to cut emissions 8-10pc

CANADA's largest railway of Canadian National (CN) has launched EcoRide, a new container chassis expected to reduce fuel consumption in trucking of containers to and from its intermodal terminals by eight to 10 per cent.

The EcoRide chassis is developed in collaboration with a Canadian supplier. It uses side skirts to reduce aerodynamic drag, weighs 15 per cent less than conventional CN chassis, and has low-rolling resistance tyres on each axle instead of the normal four tyres per axle. CN will exhibit the chassis in April.

CN vice president Jean-Jacques Ruest said following the successful launch of EcoTherm, a greener insulated container, that it continues to test energy initiatives including hybrid container cranes, in-terminal hybrid trucks, and energy efficient generators.

CN is deploying the hybrid shunt trucks in ground switching of containers on chassis at our Brampton Intermodal Terminal this month, he added.

Intermodal transport reduces emissions by 65 per cent compared to truck transport for shipments moving more than 1,000 miles according to latest figures from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Kraft Canada, a major CN intermodal customer, backs the railway's sustainability programme. "CN is aligned with Kraft's focus on those suppliers that deliver the most value, which includes great service, innovation and reduced carbon emissions," said Kraft vice president Craig McLaughlin.
(Source:www.schednet.com)