Milestones: Alabama

CG Railway’s rail ferry Banda Sea outbound from Mobile to Coatzacoalcos.

Photo/Alabama State Port Authority

CG Railway, Inc., on August 29 celebrated the 1,000th voyage of its Rail Ferry Service between the ports of Mobile (AL) and Coatzacoalcos (Mexico).

CG Railway’s service commenced in January 2001 with two rail ferry vessels providing a short sea alternative to overland rail routes originating in the Eastern United States and bound for Central and Southern Mexico. The service expanded in 2007 from a single-deck to a double-deck operation, increasing the onboard capacity of each vessel to an average of 115 railcars.

CG Railway connects to U.S. Class 1 and short-line railroads serving Mobile via the Alabama State Port Authority Terminal Railway, as well as the Ferrosur railroad at the port of Coatzacoalcos. CG Railway transports a variety of goods moving by rail to and from Mexico, including forest products, chemicals, minerals, metals, agricultural products and – starting first quarter of 2015 – refrigerated freight.

"By providing an efficient short sea solution that facilitates trade from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico, the Rail Ferry provides a unique, high-quality service that we are proud to offer our valued customers," said Kevin Wild, senior vice president of CG Railway. "This milestone is a direct result of our strong relationships with loyal customers and the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff. Our focus remains on providing an economically feasible alternative to traditional routes, and – even as we take a moment to appreciate how far we have come – we eagerly look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."

James K. Lyons, chief executive officer of the Alabama State Port Authority, hailed the sailing as a testament to the services provided at the port. "CG Railway is a strong partner providing Southeastern and Mid-west U.S. shippers fast, affordable service to and from Mexico not found elsewhere. We congratulate International Shipholding and the CG Railway on their achievements."

CGR vessel loading rail cars at Coatzacoalcos.

Photo/API de Coatzacoalcos