Lineas presented its FAME locomotive

On 28 March 2024 at Gent-Zeehaven (Gent-Seaport), Lineas presented its FAME locomotive, which highlights the company's commitment to finding sustainable solutions to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector.

FAME, short for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, is a biofuel produced - among others - from non-food raw materials such as used cooking oil. Although it is already used in marine engines and simple combustion systems, waste-based FAME has not been used yet in locomotives. Lineas had the premiere of being the first rail freight operator to test it.

Lineas is currently in the final testing phase, which is expected to last until June of this year. These tests, conducted in collaboration with Cargill, are critical to validate the performance and reliability of FAME-powered locomotives before they are put into service. With the FAME locomotive Lineas wants to emphasize the importance of biofuels such as FAME: it is a readily available alternative to diesel, that can be used on non-electrified lines such as those in Flemish ports.

The use of FAME offers significant emission reductions, provided it meets strict criteria (e. g. being obtained from waste streams and certified according to REDII standards): these amount to up to 84 % compared to conventional diesel. Thanks to the use of FAME and other biofuels, Lineas aims to reduce its Scope 1 emissions by 42 % by 2030, a target that is in line with the validated Science Based Targets.

Although the use of biofuels such as FAME is a major step forward, Lineas would also like to emphasize that there is an urgent need for further infrastructure development to enable widespread use of these fuels. Currently, there is no refueling infrastructure for the supply of biofuels, which hinders their immediate introdiction. Lineas calls for the cooperation of all stakeholders to develop this important infrastructure and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation fuels.

Even if freight transport by rail is already the greenest transportation solution, Lineas intends to continue its efforts to make transport even more sustainable. In this way, the company also aims to help its customers significantly reduce their transport emissions, while providing them with the highest quality of service.

North Sea Port, one of the main logistics hubs in Lineas' operating area, also expresses satisfaction with FAME's deployment in rail freight transport within its region. Daan Schalck, CEO North Sea Port, states: "North Sea Port wants to increase the share of freight transport by rail from 10 to 15 %. The emission reductions enabled by FAME will make a valuable contribution to making transport in the port area more sustainable. Suppliers of alternative fuels and rail operators will become important partners of the port in this regard."