Port of Montreal - The Montreal Port Authority buys its first green
locomotive

MONTREAL, March 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Port Authority has signed an agreement with R. J. Corman Railpower to purchase a next generation locomotive, one more respectful of the environment, for $1.6 million. The agreement includes an option for four additional locomotives. These are multiple-generator GenSet locomotives providing a total of 2,000 horsepower each. The GenSet technology used by R. J. Corman Railpower was developed in Canada by Railpower.

GenSet locomotives make it possible to reduce diesel consumption thanks to a power-regulating device that can start up one, two or all three generators, depending on the size of the task at hand. 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 so that no emissions are produced while the locomotive is stationary. 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," stated Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority. Ms. Vachon also pointed out on this occasion that the Port's railway system, located dockside, is a decisive competitive advantage for the Port. "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," said Ms. Vachon.

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.

    
    About the Montreal Port Authority
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The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) operates the world's largest inland port. It is a leader among container ports, through which more than 24.5 million tonnes of cargo transited in 2009. More than 1,250,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were handled at the Port of Montreal in 2009. The Port of Montreal owns its own rail network, operated directly on the piers. It is linked to two major railways and a highway system. The Port also operates a grain terminal and a marine passenger terminal. All other terminals are operated by private stevedoring firms. Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs per year.

For further information: Jean-Paul Lejeune, Director of Communications, [phone], Fax: [phone], [email protected]; www.port-montreal.com