Florida East Coast Railway begins to take delivery of GE locomotives

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) is about to take delivery of the first of 24 new Tier 3-compliant locomotives ordered from GE Transportation, the regional announced yesterday.

The locomotives will be used on the railroad's 351-mile mainline between Jacksonville and Miami. FECR expects to place the remainder of the units in service by year's end.

Part of GE's Evolution® Series, the ES44C4 locomotives are designed to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 3 emission requirements via advanced engine technology that can control nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions, as well as reduce fuel usage.

"These locomotives will be utilized to [provide] the efficient horsepower needed to support the transportation of intermodal, carload, auto and port business for the growing Florida economy," said FECR President and Chief Executive Officer James Hertwig in a press release.