Norfolk Southern completes $18m upgrade of export coal facility

Class I railroad Norfolk Southern has completed a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility, commonly known as Pier 6, in Norfolk, Va., which transfers coal hauled by train from Appalachian coal fields to ships bound for international markets, the Journal of Commerce reported.

The $18 million investment, completed during a 90-day period beginning in August, reflects the company’s belief in the long-term coal market, said Danny Smith, NS senior vice president of energy and property.

The upgrade involved overhauls of the facility’s dumper system, which transfers coal from rail cars to a conveyor system, and its two loaders, which are large rolling structures that deliver coal to ships.