Palmetto Railways, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce), announced it is partnering with Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) to convert two of its diesel switcher locomotives to lithium-ion battery powered locomotives.
IRT, a rail solutions provider that offers proprietary propulsion technology, will retrofit the state-of-the-art locomotives which are less expensive to operate, deliver superior performance and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
For Palmetto Railways, the switch to battery-powered locomotives will reduce the amount of diesel fuel consumed at its facilities by an estimated 40,000 gallons annually per locomotive, while providing additional resiliency to the local grid infrastructure and to local rail supply chain partners and customers. The zero-emission locomotives will help maximize a cleaner and more energy efficient transfer and shipment of goods through Palmetto Railways’ existing North Charleston facilities and will support the Navy Base Intermodal Facility which is currently under-construction with South Carolina Ports Authority. The locomotives are expected to be delivered and begin service within two years.
Funding for this project was announced in September 2023 when Palmetto Railways was awarded a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program grant of up to $4,170,000 from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Palmetto Railways will provide a 35% non-federal match.
“As we navigate the transformation of industry, it’s imperative that we look around the corner and anticipate needs while incorporating cutting-edge technology. Once online, these state-of-the-art locomotives will position Palmetto Railways to further support South Carolina’s sustainable future,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
“As South Carolina’s trusted Lowcountry short-line rail provider, Palmetto Railways is steadfast in our commitment to adopting advanced technologies that not only help to reduce our environmental impact to our neighboring North Charleston communities, but prioritize safety, efficiency and reliable rail service for current and future customers,” said Palmetto Railways President and CEO Patrick McCrory.
About Palmetto Railways
Palmetto Railways, established in 1969, promotes the economic viability of the State of South Carolina by providing safe, efficient and cost-effective rail solutions to facilitate the movement of freight and to support economic development efforts. Palmetto Railways also provides technical assistance and consulting services in railroad matters to state, local and municipal governments. As a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Palmetto Railways is a Class III terminal switching and short line railroad located in Charleston, S.C., serving the Port of Charleston and multiple industries based in the five-county region of the Lowcountry. Palmetto Railways lines have direct access to both Eastern Class I railroads, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway. For more information, visit www.palmettorailways.com.
About Innovative Rail Technologies
Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) is a rail solutions provider offering its proprietary technology ATLAS (Advanced Technology Li-Ion Adaptive System). ATLAS is a turnkey, scalable propulsion and control package customized to the unique needs of customer operations. Paired with automated, high-speed charging, IRT’s ATLAS-powered locomotives maintain 24/7 availability for its operators in an economically beneficial package. IRT was established in 2019 and has a rapidly expanding list of customers which includes Fortune 500 companies, Ports, Industries, and Short Line Railroads. IRT works with its growing nationwide network of locomotive remanufacturers (ATLAS Authorized Installers) and can also provide ATLAS kits directly to customers for in-house remanufacture. More information about the company can be found at: www.InnovativeRailTech.com.
Media Contact:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
kcoakley@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com
