2/14/2012 Sustainability

Mechanical Article
NS is nation's first renewable diesel user, Class I says

Today, Norfolk Southern Corp. announced it obtained agreements from Dynamic Fuels L.L.C. and Mansfield Oil Co. to supply renewable diesel to the Class I. Since early January, NS primarily has been using Dynamic Fuels’ renewable diesel at its yard in Meridian, Miss.

A 50-50 venture owned by Tyson Foods Inc. and Syntroleum Corp., Dynamic Fuels recently signed agreements with Mansfield Oil to market renewable diesel to fleet customers. Dynamic Fuels produces renewable and synthetic fuels from animal fats and greases that are designed to reduce emissions of carbons, particulates and nitrous oxides when combusted in existing diesel engines.

The company’s Geismar, La., plant produces renewable diesel as “drop in” fuel that can totally replace petroleum diesel without a diesel-engine modification, NS officials said in a prepared statement.

“Norfolk Southern is pleased to be the first fleet user of renewable diesel in the United States,” said Gerhard Thelen, NS’ vice president of operations planning and support. “Our locomotive engines are completely compatible with the pure renewable diesel provided by Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield. This effort exemplifies Norfolk Southern’s commitment to reducing carbon and other emissions, while further integrating sustainability throughout the operations of the company.”