Japan Steel Giant To Sell 'World’s Longest' Train Rails

Tokyo: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. will begin sales of what it says are the world’s longest train rails. The extra length can help reduce oscillation, noise and maintenance costs for operators compared to shorter sizes, according to the company, the world’s second-largest steel maker by output after ArcelorMittal.

The new 150-meter-long rails, to be produced at the Yawata Steel Works in Fukuoka, will be shipped out using specially designed freight methods. Within Japan, the rails will be carried on freight trains, taking up about nine cars, while overseas delivery will be made using large-size cargo ships, said spokeswoman Asako Yoshino.

Train rails are typically transported out from steel works after being trimmed to about 25 to 50 meters, according to the company.  In promoting its new product, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal said that reducing the number of joints on railways can contribute to safer tracks while cutting down the need for welding.

However, the new rails cost more, Ms. Yoshino said, without giving details. She said the previous record for the longest commercial rails available was held by an Austrian company, which takes orders for 120-meter long rails.

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal is scheduled to test-run the cargo system next month before taking orders.

Courtesy: The Wall Street Journal