New York New Jersey Rail, LLC (NYNJR), a rail-barge short line wholly owned by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, has taken delivery on three new ultra-low-emissions SE10B diesel-electric switcher locomotives from Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW). The contract, valued at $5.25 million, marks the first collaboration between the Port Authority and KLW.
Design, engineering and production of these 1,050-hp, single-engine locomotives originated in KLW’s manufacturing facilities in Knoxville, Tenn. They’re equipped with drive train systems patented by KLW and MTU. KLW describes them as “designed to reduce locomotive emissions and to mitigate fuel waste. These benefits are achieved without compromising reliability performance or power degradation through the deployment of enhanced electronic control systems and improved tractive effort capabilities.”
NYNJR is operating its SE10Bs at its terminals in Jersey City, N.J. and Brooklyn, N.Y., primarily for positioning railcars for cross-harbor freight operations. KLW says the locomotives, compared to the units they are replacing, will reduce emissions levels and fuel consumption by more than 90% and 60%, respectively, and significantly reduce engine noise levels.
“For Knoxville Locomotive Works, this venture underscores our long-term commitment to deliver advanced technology locomotive power to the North American and international rail markets,” said KLW Chairman Pete Claussen. “It is gratifying we can do this with a localized Tennessee work force and with a predominance of U.S. manufactured assemblies and components.”
“Our customers have consistently told us that two of the most significant challenges they currently face are increasingly stringent emissions standards and increasing fuel costs,” said MTU America Inc. Director of Industrial Sales Scott Woodruff. “Knoxville Locomotive Works has been on the leading edge of designing the best locomotive solutions to meet those challenges, and MTU is committed to helping locomotive builders like KLW deliver the cleanest, most efficient new products to their customers.”