Global Partners to voluntarily require stricter tank-car standards

Global Partners L.P. yesterday announced it will voluntarily begin requiring compliance with "CPC-1232"  tank-car design standards for all crude oil unit trains arriving at its East and West coast terminals.

The program will be phased in at Global’s crude-by-rail receiving facilities in Albany, N.Y., and Clatskanie, Ore., starting June 1, company officials said in a press release. The policy pertains to all crude cars received at the terminal, regardless of whether they're operated by a third party or leased by Global Partners.

“Global is committed to safety, and as part of that commitment we have made the proactive decision to begin only accepting crude oil unit trains consisting entirely of CPC 1232-compliant cars,” said Global Partners President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Slifka.

The CPC-1232 standards were developed by the Association of American Railroads Tank Car Committee for rail cars ordered since October 2011. The standards require safety features for leak prevention, puncture resistance and rollover protection, including a thicker, more puncture-resistant shell or jacket, extra protective head shields at both ends of the tank car and additional protection for the top fittings.

"This decision complements our comprehensive preventive safety measures and emergency preparedness protocols,” said Slifka. “We continue to work closely with our employees, customers and railroads, as well as federal and state agencies and local communities, to ensure the safe, reliable handling of energy products throughout our network.”