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Summer 2019 Truck and Track 47
RAILFREIGHT
GB Railfreight to introduce three Class 66
locomotives to the UK rail network
GB Railfreight (GBRf) are delighted to announce that three
Class 66 locomotives are to be leased from Beacon Rail Leasing
and introduced to the UK rail network from Sweden.
The locomotives T66 403/4/5 will become 66 790/791/792
and mark GBRf’s continued growth and investment in its fleet.
These locomotives are the most widely operated modern freight
locomotives in the European market and will further strengthen
GBRf’s already reliable fleet.
GBRf have considerable experience bringing locomotives from
Europe to the UK. Previous conversions include 66 747/8/9/5/51
from European to UK specification with the assistance of Electro
Motive Diesels (EMD).
Prior to entering service, the locomotives will undergo upgrades in
Gothenburg before being shipped to Immingham and transferred
to EMD’s Longport Facility for conversion to UK specifications.
The locomotives will have Train Bourne safety systems, air
conditioning, as well as cab and system
specific reliability improvements made. In
addition, they will all receive GBRf livery
and once fully upgraded, the Class 66s will
then enter service.
John Smith, Managing Director of GB
Railfreight, said:
“I am delighted to announce that three
Class 66 locomotives are being added to
our fleet. These locos are incredibly reliable
and will assist us in delivering the best
possible service now and into the future.
“This move is demonstrative of why GBRf
are leading the way in the rail freight
sector. It’s a fantastic addition to our offer,
enabling us to expand operations, whilst
also providing the extra freight capacity
the industry really needs.”
Carl Kent, GB Railfreight’s (GBRf) current
Head of Strategy and Innovation has been
appointed Head of Market Development.
Kent has worked within the business for five
years. He has been highly influential in the
successful implementation and delivery of
many major contracts in what has been a
period of significant growth for the company.
The Business Implementation team, led
by Kent, have delivered a range of new rail
freight business in intermodal, international,
bulk, energy, infrastructure and rail services markets. In addition,
Kent has played a key role in lobbying industry groups during the
Periodic Review2018 (PR18) and the ongoingWilliams Rail Review.
Kent said of his promotion:
“Working at GBRf has been challenging and exciting, in equal
measure. The culture of the business is something that I deeply buy
into and try to instil in those around me. I look forward to bringing
my skills in developing solutions to deliver newbusiness volumes in
line with the development of newmarket opportunities for GBRf to
successfully exploit.”
Lee Armstrong, Commercial Director of GB Railfreight, stated:
“I am thrilled that Carl is the new Head of Market Development.
He has worked successfully with the Commercial Team and the
Market Development Team for several years; he has a fantastic
understanding of GB Railfreight and our customers’ requirements,
consistently influential in developing business solutions, and these
skills complement his new role.”
The role’s current holder, Jonathan Bailey, leaves the business
after two years in post. He goes to DFDS Seaways, where he will be
Shipping Logistics Director.
GBRf would like to thank Jonathan for the excellent work he has
done in bringing new contracts into the business, particularly
in expanding the company’s operations throughout Europe and
developing strategies to work more effectively within the supply
chain.
Lee Armstrong added:
“Over the last few years with GB Railfreight, Jonathan has been
instrumental in helping deliver GB Railfreight’s growth, I would like
to congratulate him for his new Director role with DFDS and thank
him for the success he helped bring to GB Railfreight.”
Carl Kent
GB Railfreight appoint new
Head of Market Development
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