CN (Canadian National Railway Company) and Wabtec Corporation have announced a joint initiative to enhance further CN's existing fleet with the modernization of 60 locomotives through Wabtec's state-of-the-art locomotive modernization program. This program is designed to enhance locomotive fuel efficiency. CN currently consumes approximately 15% less locomotive fuel per gross ton mile than the industry average. The initiative aligns with CN's science-based target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 43% per gross ton mile by 2030, based on a 2019 reference year. Additionally, CN aims to achieve a net-zero carbon emission target by 2050, in accordance with a 1.5-degree scenario.
“Our modernization program supports the circular economy and is a key component of Wabtec’s sustainability approach through processes that reduce waste, extend life, and improve fuel efficiency, thereby driving emissions reductions and helping customers save money,” commented Alicia Hammersmith, President of Wabtec Freight Services.
Wabtec's Services team will undertake the modernization of CN's 60 certified pre-owned Dash-9 locomotives, bringing the modernized fleet to a total of 110 locomotives. The conversion process will convert the locomotives from DC to AC traction and incorporate various enhancements, including the FDL Advantage engine upgrade and a range of digital solutions such as Trip Optimizer and LOCOTROL Distributed Power. These upgrades are expected to extend the life of the locomotives and deliver numerous benefits, including targeted fuel efficiency improvements of up to 18% through the combination of advanced engine and digital technologies. In addition, the upgrades are expected to improve reliability by over 40% and tractive effort by up to 55%.
Mark Grubbs, Vice-President Mechanical at CN, emphasized the cost-effective advantage of modernizing these locomotives: “Modernizing these locomotives cost-effectively improves the reliability of our existing fleet and contributes to reducing our rail carbon footprint. In addition to reducing the environmental impact of our own operations, it helps us to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our customers.”
