Federal Railroad Administrator to Help Celebrate Graduates and Ceremony Attendees Will Get “First Look” at the Groundbreaking Progress Rail Battery Electric Locomotive

Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) and the Federal Railroad Administration today welcomed the latest PHL class of locomotive engineers to serve the important role of moving millions of shipping containers 24/7 at the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports complex.

Mario Cordero, executive director at the Port of Long Beach thanks partner PHL for its ongoing leadership in both workforce development and environmental stewardship at today’s graduation of its next group of highly skilled locomotive graduates.
 Peter Gilbertson, CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings congratulates the graduates of Pacific Harbor Line’s next group of highly skilled locomotive engineer graduates to serve the San Pedro Port complex.

Today’s graduation ceremony, with the world’s newest emission-free locomotive stationed in the background, highlights both PHL’s vital “first-mile” role in keeping cargo moving through one of the world’s busiest port complexes as well as the short-line rail company’s commitment to protect the environment.

"I’m honored to join the newest class of locomotive engineers in person on this important day, and I commend each graduate and Pacific Harbor Line for the impactful role you play in moving goods safely, reliably, and efficiently," FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. "To have the best rail service and ports in the world, we need to invest in both modern infrastructure and the workers who keep operations moving--that's what we're doing through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and FRA remains committed to growing and supporting America's rail workforce."

Peter Gilbertson, CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings–PHL’s parent company, said, “We appreciate Administrator Bose helping to recognize workforce development at PHL. Recruiting, training, and retaining quality employees is essential to our service to the nation’s supply chain. The nine engineers who graduated today are joining a skilled workforce that operates safely in a challenging environment.

PHL serves the busiest port complex in the United States and is one of the largest in the world. To remain competitive and reduce truck traffic, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have embarked on several infrastructure projects to increase rail capacity and efficiency, including high-tech on-dock rail facilities and additional tracks.

First look of Progress Rail’s zero-emission, zero-idle EMD® Joule battery electric locomotive, which recently arrived to begin a year of testing and continue PHL’s advancement toward zero-emission locomotive solutions in the San Pedro Bay ports.

“Pacific Harbor Line is dedicated to serving the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles with efficiency, safety, and a commitment to do our part to protect the environment,” said PHL President Otis L. Cliatt II. “We are proud to continue our long tradition of excellence by presenting a new group of highly trained and dedicated engineers to serve our community and the maritime industry.”

(Left to Right: ) Mario Cordero, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach, Peter Gilbertson, CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings, Amit Bose, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration and Otis Cliatt, PHL President, stand before the first zero-emission, battery electric locomotive which will serve the San Pedro Bay ports at PHL’s engineer graduation.

Congratulations from the Ports
“Congratulations to the nine highly skilled engineers who are graduating from Pacific Harbor Line’s training program,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “PHL is an integral part of our operations, connecting each of our cargo terminals to the nation’s rail network. In addition to a long history of using the cleanest rail technology available to serve our port, we’re proud to partner with PHL as it develops the workforce of the future.”

“Congratulations to this graduating class of locomotive engineers who are just beginning their exciting and rewarding careers in the goods movement industry. And congratulations also to PHL on its new, ground-breaking zero-emissions battery-electric locomotive,” said Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach Executive Director. “We thank our partner PHL for its ongoing leadership in both workforce development and environmental stewardship.”

Battery electric locomotive
PHL used today’s engineer graduation ceremony to roll out one of the nation’s most advanced zero-emission locomotives. Progress Rail’s zero-emission, zero-idle EMD® Joule battery electric locomotive recently arrived to begin a year of testing and continue PHL’s advancement toward zero-emission locomotive solutions in the San Pedro Bay ports. PHL has a long tradition of environmental leadership, currently operating a fleet of EPA Tier 3 plus and Tier 4 locomotives using 100% renewable diesel fuel.