February 13, 2022. Gazpromtrans accepted the first Russian shunter powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – TEMG1 – from its manufacturer, the Lyudinovo Diesel Locomotive Plant. The shunter, which was created at the initiative of Gazprom, has no domestic equivalents.
According to the technical specifications issued by Gazpromtrans, the shunter has a power unit of two engines with a total capacity of 1,120 h.p. The power unit is characterized by increased safety and cost efficiency, as it uses either one or both engines depending on the power required. The digital control and diagnostic system monitors about 1,500 operational parameters of the shunter.
The use of natural gas – the most eco-friendly energy carrier – brings about a considerable reduction of environmental impacts as compared to traditional diesel fuel. Owing to cryogenic tanks that can hold 2.6 tons of LNG, the “towing machine” for railways can work for more than three days with no refilling required.
In late December, the TEMG1 shunter was certified for compliance with the requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union by the Register of Certification on the Federal Railway Transport.
In 2022, Gazpromtrans will carry out pilot operation of the shunter on a railway in the Orenburg Region. It is planned to use the shunting vehicle for delivery and removal of cars at the corresponding station. To provide for the refilling of the machine, a site for the Cryogenic NGV refueler has been arranged at the Zavodskaya railway station.
