CN Launches New Firefighting Trains to Help Protect Supply Chain
CN (TSX: CNR, NYSE: CNI) has introduced two new firefighting trains, Neptune and Trident, to its fire mitigation and suppression fleet, joining the existing Poseidon train. This addition aims to combat wildfires across Canada, ensuring the safety and security of goods on CN's network. These purpose-built trains are operated by specially trained staff and are meant to protect the supply chain from the impacts of wildfires, which have become more frequent due to extreme weather. CN collaborates with various wildfire management authorities and Indigenous communities to deploy these assets effectively.
- Addition of two new firefighting trains enhances CN's fire mitigation capabilities.
- Enhanced safety and security of goods on CN's network can lead to more reliable supply chains.
- Proactive measures to combat wildfires may reduce potential disruptions and financial losses.
- Collaboration with wildfire management authorities and Indigenous communities strengthens CN's commitment to community safety.
- Purpose-built trains operated by trained staff indicate a specialized and focused approach to wildfire management.
- Investment in new firefighting trains may result in increased operational costs.
- Deploying these assets may not completely eliminate the risk of supply chain disruptions due to wildfires.
- The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events could still pose a significant challenge despite additional resources.
MONTREAL, May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today announced the addition of two new firefighting trains along with two additional railcars to its fire mitigation and suppression fleet. With wildfires underway across Canada, this specialized fleet, the Trident and the Neptune trains will join CN’s existing firefighting train, Poseidon. Together, these three trains will provide support in combatting wildfires along CN’s right-of-way, bringing a significant amount of water and fire suppression capacity to isolated areas, helping to ensure the fluidity, safety and security of goods on CN’s network and surrounding communities.
As extreme weather events increase in frequency and duration, CN recognizes the critical importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard its role in powering the economy, supporting supply chains, and transporting goods and materials to and from markets. Poseidon, Neptune and Trident are operated by specially trained employees and contractors and are purpose-built to strengthen CN’s rail network against the impact of wildfires.
“Our priority is to maintain the integrity of the supply chain so that we can continue to serve our customers and power the economy. By deploying these new firefighting railcars, we’re not only reinforcing our commitment to securing the supply chain, but also helping to support the safety and security of our neighbours in communities along our network.”
- Matthew McClaren, Assistant Vice-President, Safety, at CN
CN works closely with federal, provincial, and municipal wildfire management authorities, along with Indigenous communities, to strategically deploy these assets where they can be safely and effectively used in response to wildfires. CN is committed to the safety and well-being of its employees, customers, and the communities through which it operates.
About CN’s firefighting railcars
Poseidon, CN’s proof of concept and first firefighting railcar is a 66-foot bulkhead flat railcar equipped with two 3,500-gallon tanks, three water pumps, fire hoses, and a diesel-electric generator. Two tank railcars, each with a capacity of nearly 21,000 gallons, are attached to either side of the flat railcar. The railcar can safely emit various forms of fire prevention and suppression substances, including water, foam, and fire retardant.
CN’s Trident and Neptune firefighting railcars are similar in design to Poseidon but with some key improvements, such as additional 360-degree cameras placed at both ends for real-time visibility. Other new features include a separate 20-foot container to hold pumps, hoses, and generators, as well as a 40-foot container with a built-in staircase and crow’s nest. The crow’s nest has 2 additional water canons and provides greater visibility for crews.
About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.
Contacts:
| Media | Investment Community |
| Jonathan Abecassis | Stacy Alderson |
| Director, Public Affairs and | Assistant Vice-President |
| Media Relations | Investor Relations |
| (438) 455-3692 media@cn.ca | (514) 399-0052 investor.relations@cn.ca |
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