How NS is Responding to the Key Bridge Collapse (Updated)
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Norfolk Southern Lamberts Point Terminal Pier 6. NS photo.
Norfolk Southern and CSX both serve the Port of Baltimore through several facilities handling several types of traffic. The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse shut down Port operations, which are very slowly returning to pre-accident status. Both railroads quickly responded to the crisis, making service and operating adjustments as needed.
NS notes that it is “taking proactive steps to mitigate supply chain disruption and ensure uninterrupted service for our customers,” for example, successfully transporting cargo from the first normally Baltimore-bound vessel diverted to the railroad’s Lambert’s Point Terminal in Norfolk, Va. “We are in constant communication with affected international customers, port partners and state officials to maintain the integrity of the global supply chain,” NS says.
The railroad has provided a detailed account of how it’s addressing the situation:
Norfolk Southern is launching a new, dedicated intermodal service to facilitate the flow of freight between the Elizabeth Marine Terminal (EMT) at the Port of New York & New Jersey and the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. The single-stack service will start April 5. It will operate west to Harrisburg, Pa., then south to Perryville, Md., and over the Amtrak Northeast Corridor to Baltimore. NS will be utilizing TTX railcars from its existing fleet, with the increased capacity being directed to EMT and Baltimore.
NS is in discussions with Ports America to extend this service directly on-dock at Ports America’s Seagirt Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, an expansion that “would benefit shippers close to Baltimore.”
“Ports America is committed to deploying solutions that prioritize our customers’ needs,” notes Rob Kusiciel, Chief Commercial Officer of Ports America. “Partnering with Norfolk Southern to manage the flow of cargo was a natural step for us to take in maintaining supply chain fluidity in the face of this crisis.” NS’s Triple Crown Services, Inc. network “will help facilitate the dedicated intermodal service and work directly with cargo owners who need a door-to-door solution.”
Though NS’s Baltimore automotive facility is not impacted by this outage, the railroad has implemented an embargo for automotive traffic destined for Dundalk Marine Terminal and is working with automotive customers “to develop solutions that fit their needs for importing and exporting automobiles while the embargo is in place.” Most of these diversions are” still maturing as our customers review options along the East Coast.” NS adds. “For example, we are working with automotive manufacturers to develop rail solutions through alternate ports of entry in Georgia, Florida, Delaware, New York and New Jersey.
NS is assisting multiple customers with break bulk cargo that traditionally moves through the Port of Baltimore, including lumber, pulp, and roll-on/roll-off traffic. “We are helping these customers move their inventory with alternative transportation solutions amidst port shifts and supplier changes,” NS says. “For example, our partners at Fairwinds Landing in Norfolk, Va., are offering customers an alternative location to move break bulk cargo.”
For coal, NS says it is “continuing to work with shippers to utilize alternate river and East Coast port transloads, including Lambert’s Point Terminal.
In terms of regional collaboration, NS is working with the Port of Virginia, “leveraging key service points like the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal, to serve regions further afield, such as Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia,” among other such initiatives.
“At Norfolk Southern, we understand the importance of rapid response, frequent communication and innovative solutions during significant supply chain events,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins. “Leveraging our extensive franchise footprint and strategic partnerships with ocean carriers, short line railroads, East Coast ports and other transportation providers, we are providing our customers with a flexible, reliable service product they can count on in this time of need.”
