Shale Gas Slump Hits U.S. Railroad Diesel Demand
Cheap natural gas has slashed coal traffic across the U.S. rail network and in turn hit demand for diesel, demonstrating the interlocking relationship between the country's energy and transport systems. U.S. rail freight declined more than 6 percent in the first 12 weeks of 2016 compared with a year earlier, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Most categories of bulk freight were down compared with 2015 but by far the largest drop occurred in coal, the single-largest commodity hauled on the network. The number of railcars loaded…
Kemp: Shale Gas Hits U.S. Railroads and Diesel Demand
Cheap natural gas has slashed coal traffic across the U.S. rail network and in turn hit demand for diesel, demonstrating the interlocking relationship between the country's energy and transport systems. U.S. rail freight declined more than 6 percent in the first 12 weeks of 2016 compared with a year earlier, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Most categories of bulk freight were down compared with 2015 but by far the largest drop occurred in coal, the single-largest commodity hauled on the network. The number of railcars loaded…
New DOT Brake Rule Angers Rail Industry
U.S. regulators took on the powerful rail industry on Friday, announcing plans to require expensive, high-tech braking technology the railways insist is unproven and unreliable. Regulators say the new electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes could reduce the severity of crashes, preventing pile-ups. Canada has promised to "harmonize" its regulations with the United States. The U.S. rule goes into effect in 2021 and only applies to trains with 70 or more tank cars. Estimates published with Friday's announcement said ECP brakes could cost the U.S. industry $492 million between 2015 and 2034.
U.S. Businesses Brace for Oil Downturn
Oil and gas production is fundamental to the U.S. economy. The sharp downturn in prices will have a negative impact on business investment in the short term before the positive impact on consumer spending takes over further down the line. Oil and gas producers accounted for almost $1 in every $8 of new business investment in the U.S. economy in 2013, according to new data published by the Census Bureau. Businesses engaged in oil and gas extraction invested $159 billion in wells, structures and equipment in 2013, according to the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey, the latest edition of which was published on Feb. 5 (http://link.reuters.com/dur93w).
Seattle Calls for Safeguards Amid Boom in Oil Train Shipments
Seattle officials called on Wednesday for more safeguards for crude oil trains traveling through the city in increasing numbers, warning some rail infrastructure was antiquated and could contribute to a catastrophic accident. An oil tanker accident in the city could be "a catastrophe for our community in terms of risk to life, property and environment," Seattle's Office of Emergency Management said in a report. Citing a series of devastating accidents linked to oil train derailments, including one in Canada that killed 47 people in a city in Quebec last year…
US Rail Jams Force Rush to Roads and Rivers
U.S. coal-burning power utilities are being forced to turn to barges and more expensive trucks to move coal, desperate to shore up stockpiles left dangerously low by the widespread bottlenecks on rail networks. The shift in how coal is being delivered to some power plants from mining regions such as Illinois Basin and comes amid persistent railroad delays that began during last year's severe North American winter. The delays have been perpetuated also by a surge in rail deliveries of crude oil and grain, leaving power producers such as FirstEnergy Corp scrambling for transport alternatives before winter sets in, potentially adding to costs. About 40 percent of U.S.
BNSF Train Carrying Oil Derails in Seattle
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe train carrying crude oil derailed in Seattle on Thursday, but there were no immediate reports of a spill or injury, according to local television stations. Burlington Northern Santa Fe, owned by Berkshire Hathaway , was not immediately available for comment, but was cited in media reports as saying the train was carrying oil and that the cause of the accident was being investigated. (Reporting by Edward McAllister in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
Evolution or revolution? LNG and the railroads: Kemp
Electro-Motive Diesel, the world's largest diesel locomotive manufacturer, has taken delivery of the first of four specially designed liquefied natural gas (LNG) tenders ultimately destined for use on the Canadian National railroad. The remaining tenders, each equipped with a fuel tank capable of carrying 45,500 litres of LNG, are due to be delivered before the end of June, according to specialist industry publication "Railway Age". The specially adapted engines and tenders will be put through stationary tests before being handed over to Canadian National for a pilot programme on the tracks starting in the summer ("Westport delivers first LNG tender to EMD", April 11).
Evolution or Revolution? LNG and the Railroads
Electro-Motive Diesel, the world's largest diesel locomotive manufacturer, has taken delivery of the first of four specially designed liquefied natural gas (LNG) tenders ultimately destined for use on the Canadian National railroad. The remaining tenders, each equipped with a fuel tank capable of carrying 45,500 litres of LNG, are due to be delivered before the end of June, according to specialist industry publication "Railway Age". The specially adapted engines and tenders will be put through stationary tests before being handed over to Canadian National for a pilot programme on the tracks starting in the summer ("Westport delivers first LNG tender to EMD", April 11).
