The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has taken a groundbreaking step in the American maritime industry by introducing the first battery-electric rail car mover. This new addition to the port’s operations will significantly reduce emissions while efficiently managing the rail yard.
Meet the Zephir LOK 16.150E Rail Car Mover
Manufactured by Marmon Rail’s Italian Zephir division, the LOK 16.150E is an all-electric rail car mover designed for zero-emission operations. It is powered by an 80-volt rechargeable battery pack that drives two 40 kW (50 hp) brushless motors.
While this power output may seem modest compared to high-performance cars, it delivers an impressive drawbar pull of over 39,000 lbs, making it highly effective for moving heavy cargo.
Unlike traditional diesel-powered rail car movers, the Zephir LOK 16.150E operates with zero tailpipe emissions, helping to improve air quality in and around the port.
How Will It Be Used?
The rail car mover is currently in operation at Dundalk Marine Terminal, managed by Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global shipping company. According to Matt Stahl, Mid-Atlantic terminal general manager for the company:
“At this terminal, the asset will be used to help with intermodal cargo exchange. We can do it with our own asset, without any assistance.”
The Zephir LOK 16.150E will primarily be used to transport rail cars carrying heavy lift equipment, farm machinery, construction vehicles, and military cargo.
Environmental Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of the Zephir LOK 16.150E is its environmental impact. By replacing diesel-powered rail car movers, this electric alternative is expected to eliminate over 180 tons of carbon emissions annually. This is a major step towards greener, more sustainable port operations.
Electric Rail Car Movers: A Century-Old Idea
While the Zephir LOK 16.150E is a modern innovation, it isn’t the first battery-powered rail car mover in history. In fact, battery-electric rail switchers date back to 1912, when the Pennsylvania Railroad introduced similar technology.
These early electric locomotives were used in Baltimore’s waterfront, where the tight track curves made standard rail engines impractical. Freightwaves’ Stuart Chirls notes that the Zephir is a perfect example of how older, innovative ideas can be reintroduced to solve today’s challenges.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Pennsylvania Railroad’s pioneering electric rail switchers, check out Railfan’s detailed historical article.
The introduction of the battery-electric Zephir LOK 16.150E at the Port of Baltimore marks a significant shift towards sustainable, low-emission rail operations. By eliminating 180+ tons of carbon emissions annually, this cutting-edge rail car mover sets an example for ports and rail yards nationwide.
As the maritime and rail industries continue to evolve, electric-powered solutions like the Zephir could become the new standard.
What do you think about this latest development? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ’s
What is the Zephir LOK 16.150E rail car mover?
The Zephir LOK 16.150E is a battery-electric rail car mover designed by Marmon Rail’s Italian Zephir division. It features an 80-volt rechargeable battery and two 40 kW brushless motors, offering a drawbar pull of over 39,000 lbs while producing zero emissions.
How will the Zephir rail car mover be used at the Port of Baltimore?
The rail car mover will be used at the Dundalk Marine Terminal to transport rail cars loaded with heavy lift, farm and construction equipment, and military cargo, improving efficiency while reducing emissions.
What are the environmental benefits of the Zephir LOK 16.150E?
The Zephir LOK 16.150E eliminates over 180 tons of carbon emissions annually, reducing air pollution and supporting sustainable port operations.
Is the Zephir the first battery-powered rail car mover?
No, battery-powered rail car movers date back to 1912 when the Pennsylvania Railroad introduced similar technology for switching freight cars in Baltimore’s narrow waterfront tracks.
Why is the Zephir LOK 16.150E important for the maritime and rail industries?
The Zephir represents a shift toward sustainable rail operations, setting an example for ports and rail yards nationwide to adopt cleaner, more efficient alternatives to traditional diesel-powered movers.