Norfolk Southern launches first RailGreen freight corridor

Norfolk Southern and the Port of Virginia have announced the launch of the United States’ first RailGreen Corridor, a sustainability-focused freight rail route designed to reduce supply chain emissions.

The new corridor connects the Port of Virginia’s terminals in Norfolk Harbour with its inland intermodal terminal in Front Royal – the Virginia Inland Port (VIP). Daily Norfolk Southern rail services along this route now offer shippers the opportunity to participate in the RailGreen emissions reduction programme.

Under the RailGreen scheme, Norfolk Southern powers its locomotives with low-carbon biofuel. Participating customers can purchase RailGreen certificates representing reduced emissions, which can then be applied toward their supply chain sustainability targets. As more certificates are acquired, the railway increases its use of biofuel accordingly.

“Rail is already the most sustainable mode of land freight transport, but we’re going further,” said Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern. “Partnering with the Port of Virginia allows us to deliver a green shipping solution for coastal freight.”

The programme is supported by blockchain-backed Environmental Attribute Certificates provided by 123Carbon, which ensure emission reductions are verified and not double-counted. These are independently audited against recognised international carbon standards.

The initiative supports a growing need among shippers to address Scope 3 emissions — indirect emissions that occur across a company’s supply chain and are often difficult to measure and reduce.

The Port of Virginia is the first port on the US East Coast to power all its terminals with 100% clean energy. Together with Norfolk Southern’s sustainability efforts, including solar-powered rail yards and hybrid locomotives, the corridor is intended to offer a cleaner, more efficient freight solution.

“The goal is to give cargo owners more options,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. “As more customers look to green their supply chains, initiatives like this are exactly what they’re looking for.”

Interested shippers are encouraged to contact Norfolk Southern to learn more about participating in the RailGreen programme.


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