www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2024/25 Truck and Track 69 RAILFREIGHT GB Railfreight’s new Class 99 locomotives to run exclusively on renewable power and electricity GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s leading transporters of consumer and business goods, has announced that its latest locomotive, the Class 99, will operate solely on electricity or renewable fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The Class 99s are set to enter service in late 2025, marking a major milestone in sustainable rail freight transport. The Class 99 will be the first heavyhaul freight locomotive capable of transporting significant volumes at mainline speeds on both electrified and non-electrified sections of the UK rail network. Rail freight is already the least carbon intensive solution for UK supply chains. The new locomotives will significantly reduce emissions by at least 58%. Exclusively available to GBRf customers, the Class 99 offers an innovative solution for sustainable freight movement across the UK. John Smith, Chief Executive Officer at GB Railfreight, said, “With the Class 99s running exclusively on HVO on nonelectrified lines, we can now provide our customers with a fully decarbonised solution for freight transport. This breakthrough is pivotal to our decarbonisation strategy and will help reduce the emissions associated with delivering goods to homes and businesses across the country. This marks the next step on our journey to lead the rail freight sector towards a greener future.” GB Railfreight’s new low-emission shunters begin service at Celsa Steel UK GB Railfreight has introduced three new Zephir ‘LOK 16.300’ depot shunters into service at CELSA Steel UK in Cardiff. The shunters, which are owned by Porterbrook, are expected to reduce emissions by c.40% and will be used to move steel billets from an electric arc furnace to CELSA’s rolling mills where it will be used to make metal sections, bar and rods. These products are then transported to sites across the country where they are used in construction and infrastructure projects. GB Railfreight and CELSA Steel UK have decided to open a series of competitions to name the three vehicles, which will be launching early in 2025. John Smith, Chief Executive of GB Railfreight, said, “It’s great to see these clean, green new shunters enter service at CELSA Steel UK. They’re another example of how the rail freight sector plays a critical role in decarbonising the UK’s supply chains. I’m looking forward to seeing the nominated names for the new shunter locomotives – we’re hopeful we can use this to raise some money for charity and make people smile.” Gabriella Nizam, Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs at CELSA Steel UK, said, “CELSA Steel UK proudly welcomes GB Railfreight’s low-emission shunters, contributing to a greener supply chain. We’re excited about the naming competitions for these shunters, engaging our charity partners and the public, all while supporting worthy causes.” Mark Wyborn, Head of Freight and Route Services at Porterbrook, said, “Providing sustainable assets for depot operations is an important step in reaching the UK’s net zero target so it’s fantastic to see these Zephir shunters begin operating at CELSA Steel UK. We look forward to working alongside our partners to roll out more affordable, innovative and sustainable rolling stock for the industry.” TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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