Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, and Norfolk Southern Corporation have collaborated on the first EMD GP34ECO locomotive built for yard and intermediate operations. The locomotive is currently undergoing testing to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions certification requirements – the highest emission standard for locomotives. Compared to older locomotives, the GP34ECO achieves a 90 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and offers significantly higher fuel efficiency.

The locomotive is powered by a 3,000 horsepower 12-710 EMD engine and utilizes the first diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) / selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system intended for line haul locomotive applications.

Norfolk Southern assembled the locomotive core in Altoona, Pa., at the company’s Juniata Locomotive Shop. Together, with Progress Rail and Caterpillar engineering teams, they performed final assembly, engine, and SCR aftertreatment system work. In addition to the Cat® aftertreatment control system, the locomotive includes a new crashworthy cab and electronics.

Since 2008, Norfolk Southern and Progress Rail have repowered 50 locomotives specifically for the ECO line. New and improved EMD ECO locomotives offer lower emissions, fuel savings, and operating efficiencies. Each of these units can replace two older, less-efficient locomotives.

Norfolk Southern will place the unit into intermediate service in Harrisburg, Pa., later this year and work with Progress Rail to ensure field testing meets final emissions certification requirements.

-via Press Release