Lineas has introduced its new FAME locomotive, setting a new direction in the pursuit of sustainable transportation. FAME, standing for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, is a type of biofuel derived from non-food sources, including used cooking oil, marking a novel application in the rail industry for its use in locomotives.
The company is in the latter stages of testing the locomotive's performance and reliability, in partnership with Cargill. These tests are essential for the introduction of FAME-powered locomotives into regular service, with scheduled completion by mid-2024.
The FAME locomotive underscores the potential of biofuels like FAME to serve as viable alternatives to diesel, especially on non-electrified railway lines such as those found in Flemish ports. Biofuels present a substantial opportunity for emission reduction, with FAME capable of lowering emissions by up to 84% in comparison to traditional diesel, assuming it originates from waste materials and adheres to specific certification standards.
Although the successful application of FAME in rail transportation is a positive step towards decarbonization Lineas points out the current lack of infrastructure for biofuel refueling as a barrier to the immediate adoption of such fuels.
The deployment of FAME within rail freight transport has been well received by regional logistics hubs, including North Sea Port. The port authority views the adoption of alternative fuels and the collaboration with rail operators as crucial to increasing the share of rail freight transport and improving sustainability within the port's operations.
