NS installs hybrid cranes at Chicago, Atlanta intermodal terminals

Norfolk Southern Railway has installed five new diesel-electric hybrid overhead gantry cranes at its Chicago Landers and Atlanta Inman intermodal terminals.

The 60-foot cranes are fuel efficient and further the Class I’s sustainability goals by reducing air emissions, NS officials said in a press release issued yesterday. The new cranes are in addition to the railroad's first five hybrid Konecranes introduced to Chicago operations in 2021 at the 47th Street intermodal facility.

The cranes can be used to work over one or two tracks along with two truck lanes. NS has a long-term goal to convert its remaining 58 traditional overhead gantry cranes to hybrid power or fully electric within the next decade. That could potentially save 30 million gallons of fuel and reduce emissions by 300,000 metric tons, NS officials said.

"Rail is already the most sustainable way to move freight over land, and equipment upgrades like this provide additional long-term emissions reductions that ultimately help us and our customers become even more efficient in our operations," said NS Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin.