Vancouver-based Westport Innovations will supply an LNG fuel system to power Canadian National Railway (CN) locomotives, the two companies announced today.
Westport's specially designed LNG tender will deliver fuel to natural-gas powered trains. Westport says the system provides a longer range than a diesel locomotive and reduces the need for LNG refuelling infrastructure and refuelling stops.
"CN is testing natural gas locomotives and Westport's experience in providing LNG solutions for transportation makes it the natural partner for us," said Gerry Weber, vice-president of fleet management for CN.
"These tenders will be used immediately with our dual-fuel locomotives in mainline service, allowing CN to continue to explore this technology as a means to advance the company's sustainability agenda and improve environmental emissions."
Westport is collaborating with INOXCVA, a company that manufactures cryogenic transportation equipment. It is also working with Caterpillar Inc. to develop natural gas technology to run Caterpillar equipment.
