"A new benchmark of performance": Dual-mode Class 99 launched by GBRf

GB Railfreight (GBRf) unveiled its new fleet of Class 99 locomotives at its Peterborough headquarters on July 18. The locomotives, initially unveiled whilst in production at Innotrans last year have been backed by Infracapital and Beacon Rail, costing an estimated £150 million.

The first two units were on display at the company’s Peterborough depot with GBRf expecting them to enter commercial service towards the end of the year. Dynamic testing is expected to begin next week.

The company has ordered 30 of the vehicles from the manufacturer Stadler, with the full fleet expected to be in full traffic in 2027, with a gradual introduction happening until then.

The locomotives are dual-mode, operating seamlessly on electric lines as well as capable of switching to renewable fuels. GBRf claims that this will halve carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel engines.

Speaking at the event, John Smith, CEO of GBRf, emphasised the importance of the new fleet: “A phenomenal amount of effort has gone into this locomotive from all the teams involved, and I truly believe this is the start of the next generation in rail freight.

"The Class 99 locomotives set a new benchmark for performance. We had to prove we had a business model that would work and that is never easy, so for everybody who has stood by us, we thank them for their support.”

In his speech at the event, Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, welcomed the project, adding that he had “no doubt, this locomotive will be the next icon of Britain’s freight railways."

He added: “This innovation, built by Stadler, financed by Beacon Rail and introduced to us by GBRf is going to lead the rail freight sector and demonstrate to it and the rest of the world that Britain is at the front.”

Also at the event was Adam Cunliffe, CEO of Beacon Rail, who said; “The arrival of the Class 99s marks an important step forward for rail freight in the UK. They reflect Beacon’s commitment to investing in modern, efficient, and lower-carbon transport solutions that are built to meet the needs of an evolving industry and changing world.”

Smith did express his frustration at the lack of investment in the rail freight sector, in comments likely aimed at the rail minister.

He added; “We should not forget that rail freight has been a success throughout privatisation, and minister, you need to be very careful, we and the number of customers here today are very concerned, that despite the strong words we are hearing, which are very welcome, we need more certainty than that.

“We need the security of capacity, an affordable charging regime and assurance that we don’t become marginalised in an integrated network.”