CSX Corp. (CSX) stock prices were down by 0.62% as of the market closing on June 28th, 2021, bringing the price per share down to USD$95.32 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent pre-market fluctuations saw the stock fall by a massive 65.77%, bringing it down to USD$32.63.
Partnership with Wabtec
June 28th 2021 saw the company announce its partnership with Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp, which would see the two collaborate to reduce their carbon footprint. This is to be achieved primarily be reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from company operations. The joint effort aims to facilitate a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Details of Collaboration
The companies will work together with a focus on the modernization of locomotives across CSX’s fleet. Advanced digital technologies will also be implemented to bolster fuel efficiency and reduce emissions for rail operations. The alliance will see CSX become the first railroad operator to make use of Wabtec’s Trip Optimizer Zero-to-Zero system, which will allow CSX to start trains from rest and stopping them automatically using various controls. The technology has helped railroads reduce their fuel consumption by more than 400 million gallons, while reducing CO2 emissions be more than 500,000 tons every year.
Additional Considerations
Furthermore, CSX will revitalize its fleet using Wabtec’s innovative Tier 4 switcher modernization program. The program will see 4 to 5 decade old locomotives being upgraded, with tier 0 non-emissions switchers being replaced by the latest Tier 4 platform from Wabtec. This technology facilitates a 90% reduction in emissions and provides a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced
Wabtec’s FDL Advantage engine upgrade program will also be utilized in the modernizing of CSX’s fleet of locomotives. This program offers up to an additional 5% reduction in fuel consumption by offering improved injection control with a high-pressure common rail fuel system. The project aims to reduce CSX’s carbon footprint by up to 250 tons of CO2 per locomotive every year.
About CSX
The company provides rail, intermodal and rail-to truck transload services and solutions to customers spread out across a myriad of markets, including, but not limited to, energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. The company has linked more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports with various major and minor population centers.
Future Outlook for CSX
Armed with its recent collaboration with Wabtec, which expands on the resources available to CSX, the company is poised to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to it through this venture. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will continue to leverage the resources at their disposal to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.
