Video: A peek at NS' new hybrid overhead crane in Atlanta

As part of its efforts to to build “the digital railroad of the future,” Norfolk Southern Railway is employing five diesel-electric hybrid overhead cranes at its major intermodal hubs in Chicago and Atlanta.

Supplied by Konecranes, the high-tech hybrids minimize repairs and down time, use less fuel and produce fewer emissions compared with traditional overhead cranes. The 60-foot-tall cranes operate via electrical power generated by a battery and diesel generator. During normal operation, power is drawn solely from the battery while braking energy recharges the battery; during peak usage, power is drawn from the battery and generator. Crane operators use computer tracking to locate and maneuver a container.

NS plans to convert its remaining 58 traditional overhead gantry cranes to hybrid or all-electric models over the next decade. The conversion could eventually save 30 million gallons of fuel and reduce emissions by over 300,000 metric tons, the railroad estimates.

In the following video, one of the hybrid overhead cranes is shown in action at NS’ Inman intermodal terminal in Atlanta.

Video courtesy of Norfolk Southern Railway