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Green Cargo maximizes volume capacity with new XXXL containers

In 2009, Swedish state-owned rail freight operator Green Cargo AB supplied its first delivery of woodchips to energy utility Söderenergi AB's new fuel terminal in Nykvarn, Sweden. A block train then carried 750 tonnes net of woodchips. In 2013, it was over doubled to carry 1 600 tonnes net and 3 500 m3 thanks to double locomotives and 81 XXL containers on 27 wagons. Now by switching to the larger XXXL containers, a block train can still carry 1 600 tonnes net but almost 29 percent more volume.

Söderenergi’s Igelsta heat and power plant complex is sited on the Södertälje Canal and includes a quay for vessel unloading. The complex consists of two plants; the Igelsta district heating plant (left) and the Igelsta CHP plant, which is one of the largest of its kind in Sweden. The Nykvarn terminal is located about 30 km from Igelsta (photo courtesy Söderenergi).

Söderenergi’s Igelsta biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant and district heat plant complex in Södertälje is using increasing volumes of recycled wood as fuel, a drier, lighter fuel than forest chips. With the new XXXL containers from Austrian manufacturer Innofreight GmbH, Green Cargo can transport larger volumes on fewer block trains by maximising the volume capacity of each block train.

During the contract period, we have continuously developed the transport solution and now upgrade the entire system together for better volume capacity. It is about increasing and adapting capacity in an optimal manner for Söderenergi. An upgrade of the container means that we get a better match between the total weight and the total volume we transport in this system. Here we chose to continue using Innofreight load carrier and replace the system’s containers to the larger XXXL model, said Johan Lorensson, Salesman at Green Cargo.

Nykvarn terminal

Located on an 8 ha site about 30 km from Igelsta, the Nyvkarn terminal functions as Söderenergi’s primary off-site fuel receiving, storage and central logistics hub as onsite storage at the Igelsta site is significantly limited. Transfer deliveries between Nykvarn and the CHP are predominately carried out by Sweden’s first 74-tonne woodchip truck 100 percent fueled by biofuels.

Opened in October 2009 in conjunction with the commissioning of the Igelsta 200 MWth and 80 MWe CHP plant, the terminal has two sidings branching off from the Svealand railway line, as well as space for the storage of forest chips and roundwood. Up until now, the terminal received 75 to 100 block trains per annum.

For Söderenergi, this is another step in the right direction towards increased sustainability. With larger containers we become more flexible, we can reduce our rail transport by up to 25 percent and become more cost effective. This also helps reduce traffic on an already heavily congested rail network and frees track capacity for other traffic. We handle a total of approximately 900 000 tonnes of fuel equivalent to 3 TWh per year, and we put a lot of effort into creating efficient and sustainable transport in all modes of transport, said Olle Ankarling, Logistics Manager at Söderenergi.

Green Cargo’s 2018 deliveries of forest- and recycled wood fuels to Söderenergi will originate from terminals in Töva, Östavall, Ånge, Bastuträsk and Örnsköldsvik all of which are located in the northern part of Sweden. The departure from each location is on a predetermined schedule to a dedicated terminal in Nykvarn, located about 30 km from Söderenergi’s facility.

Green Cargo will use the new Innofreight XXXL containers for Söderenergi’s biomass block trains. Johan Lorensson (left), Salesman at Green Cargo and Olle Ankarling, Logistics Manager at Söderenergi (photo courtesy Green Cargo).

Each block train will consist of double locomotives pulling 27 wagons with 81 XXXL containers, which is approximately 1 600 tonnes net of fuel per block trains. While the net tonnage remains the same, the total volume of fuel per block train with the XXXL containers will be increased to approximately 4500 m3, up approximately 1 000 m3 compared to a block train with 81 XXL containers previously used.

Through close dialogue with our customers, we can take overall responsibility for our customers’ deliveries to continually optimize and improve trainset deliveries. Together with Söderenergi, we have developed transport systems continuously during the contract period to achieve timely deliveries with minimal disturbances. We have eliminated traction limitations, and with the XXXL containers, we now maximize volume capacity. We complement each other with advancement and long-term perspective, said Johan Lorensson.

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