Redefining Covered Hopper Operations
At Greenbrier, we are committed to developing solutions that make rail transportation safer and more efficient. The Tsunami Hatch™ Automated Cover, developed in partnership with Shur-Co, represents a significant advancement in covered hopper technology by addressing one of the industry’s most persistent operational challenges.
Traditionally, loading covered hopper railcars requires personnel to climb onto railcars to open and close hatch covers, creating additional safety risks, especially in icy, wet, or challenging weather conditions. The Tsunami Hatch™ eliminates this challenge through automated hatch operation, allowing personnel to perform these tasks from ground level while reducing exposure to elevated work environments and supporting safer, more reliable loading operations.
We designed the Tsunami Hatch™ to allow railcars to be opened, closed and loaded without requiring personnel to climb on top of the railcar.
—Peter Jones, SVP, Product Development and International Engineering at The Greenbrier Companies
As labor shortages and operational demands continue to challenge the industry, automation has become a critical tool for improving safety, consistency and productivity. By reducing manual tasks and streamlining the loading process, the Tsunami Hatch™ helps facilities improve throughput, reduce loading cycle times and create more predictable operations without requiring additional manpower. These efficiencies can help minimize dwell time, increase asset utilization and strengthen rail’s competitiveness with other transportation modes.
“For large grain terminals, the Tsunami Hatch™ delivers a more efficient use of time and resources. By keeping personnel off the top of railcars, it helps improve safety while allowing operators to open and close hatches faster, streamlining loading operations,” Jones added.
Engineered for Reliability and Long-Term Performance
The Tsunami Hatch™ was designed specifically for the demanding conditions faced by covered hopper fleets transporting commodities such as grain, fertilizer, plastics and other bulk products. Its lightweight, flexible automated trough hatch cover incorporates a durable one-piece seal that helps maintain cargo protection while supporting reliable operation throughout the loading process.
To enhance performance in challenging environments, the system includes an integrated ice-breaking mechanism that improves functionality in cold-weather conditions. The design exceeds AAR S-2037 requirements for durability, UV stability, weathering performance, gasket compression, penetration resistance, flexure, fatigue, obstructed closure and gasket securement. These capabilities help deliver long-term reliability while supporting product integrity and reducing maintenance concerns over the life of the railcar.
The Tsunami Hatch™ is available on new Greenbrier-built covered hopper railcars and can also be installed as an aftermarket retrofit on many existing covered hoppers utilizing current hinge bracket configurations. This flexibility allows railcar owners to modernize their fleets, improve operational performance and enhance safety without the expense of replacing existing assets.
As the rail industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies that improve safety, efficiency and reliability are becoming increasingly important. The Tsunami Hatch™ reflects Greenbrier’s commitment to delivering practical solutions that address real-world challenges while helping customers maximize productivity and move freight more effectively across today’s supply chains.