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10/1/2021
Norfolk Southern Railway and Progress Rail have collaborated on the first EMD GP34ECO environment-friendly locomotive built for yard and intermediate operations.
The locomotive is undergoing testing to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 4 emission certification requirements — the highest emission standard for locomotives. Compared to older locomotives, the GP34ECO achieves a 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and offers significantly higher fuel efficiency, NS and Progress Rail officials said in a news release.
The locomotive is powered by a 3,000-horsepower, 12-710 EMD engine and utilizes the first diesel exhaust fluid and selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system intended for line-haul locomotive applications, they said. The locomotive also features a new crashworthy cab and cab electronics.
NS assembled the locomotive core in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at its Juniata Locomotive Shop. Together, with Progress Rail and Caterpillar engineering teams, NS workers performed final assembly, engine and after-treatment system work.
The Class I plans to use the unit in intermediate service in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, later this year and work with Progress Rail to ensure field testing meets final emission certification requirements.