Friday midday rail news:
Canadian crude-by-rail sees major drop in 2020, regulator says
Canadian crude-by-rail exports fell by nearly 40% in 2020, according to the Canada Energy Regulator, which regulates the export of crude and petroleum products. The average of 172,013 barrels per day — after an average of 280,272 barrels in 2019 — after an erratic year that included a record high of 411,991 barrels per day in February 2020 and an eight-year low of 38,867 barrels per day in July. Figures recovered as the years progressed. The OPEC+ price war and lower demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic led to excess pipeline capacity, the agency says, which in term led to a decrease in crude-by-rail. “2020 was far from a normal year for everyone, and it was a particular roller-coaster for crude-by-rail,” Darren Christie, CER chief economist, said in a press release. “COVID-19’s effect on Canadian energy use, production and exports was significant and widespread, so it’s no surprise that this is reflected in annual crude-by-rail export numbers.”
NJ Transit would be prime beneficiary of project expanding Penn Station capacity
NJ Transit would be the primary beneficiary of the proposed Empire Station project that would expand New York’s Penn Station by adding nine new tracks south of the current station complex. Northjersey.com reports the Empire Station project, which would be built in two phases completed in 2028 and 2038, would create more entrances and pedestrian corridors, along with new skyscrapers to help pay for the project. A report released by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Empire State Development Corp., the state agency guiding the effort, says “NJT will likely operate the largest number of trains and would carry the largest passenger volumes” using the nine new tracks and platforms. The new project would follow the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall, which created new boarding and waiting areas adjacent to Penn Station, but did not increase the operating capacity.
Work to begin on Des Moines transload project
Construction is set to begin Monday on the Des Moines (Iowa) Transloading Facility Project, a 31-acre site with direct access to Iowa Interstate, Norfolk Southern, and BNSF. The Business Record reports the project, being developed by Des Moines Industrial in partnership with Des Moines agencies, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and the Federal Railroad Administration. It will include 15,000 feet of track, 115,000 square feet of warehouse space and 8 acres of exterior storage, with future cold storage and close-proximity off-site warehouse possibilities nearby. It is expected to be in operation later this year.
