Transport Canada accelerates phase out of DOT-111 tank cars

Canada’s Transport Minister Marc Garneau has moved up the deadline for phasing out the use of older DOT-111 tank cars for crude-by-rail transport, according to the Canadian government department responsible for transportation policies and programs.    Transport Canada is looking to accelerate the cessation of use of legacy DOT-111 tank cars for crude-by-rail transport, the Canadian government department responsible for transportation policies and programs said in a statement.
   Canada’s Transport Minister Marc Garneau yesterday issued Protective Direction 38, moving up the deadline for phasing out the older, less reliable tank cars from May 1, 2017 for non-jacketed cars and March 1, 2018 for jacketed cars to Nov. 1, 2016. The deadline for DOT-111s to be removed from service entirely for all flammable liquids remains April 30, 2025.
   Legacy DOT-111 tank cars – those built prior to the CPC-1232 standard – are considered to be the least crash resistant tank cars still being used in crude oil service, according to Transport Canada. The DOT-111s will be replaced by newer tank cars like the TC-117, which was designed with several additional safety features, including thicker steel, head shields, thermal protection and top fitting protection.
   “Accelerating the phase out of legacy DOT-111 tank cars in crude oil services is another crucial step in improving the safety of communities along our railway lines,” Garneau said of the announcement. “By removing the least crash resistant tank cars in service, we continue to modernize how dangerous goods are shipped in Canada and further protect Canadians and their families who live near Canada’s rail network.”
   The move was applauded by Railway Association of Canada (RAC) officials, who said in a statement the organization “strongly supports” the accelerated timeframe.
   “Removing this tank car model from service sooner is an effective step towards ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods in Canada,” said RAC President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bourque. “We welcomed harmonized Canada-U.S. tank car standards introduced last year, and we’re equally pleased with [this] announcement.”
   The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) echoed those comments, endorsing the updated deadliness as a positive step towards improving rail cargo safety.
   “We look forward to continued strong action from both the regulator and industry to reduce the risks associated with the transportation of crude oil and other flammable liquids by rail,” TSB Chair Kathy Fox said in a statement.