Fuel for GB Railfreight '99s' announced as operator gives update on first class members

GB Railfreight has announced that its new Class 99 locos will use renewable fuels when operating on non-electrified parts of the UK rail network.

The freight operator has said fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil will be used when the 30 bi-mode heavy-haul locomotives cannot be powered by 25kV AC overhead line equipment. 

The first members of the Stadler-built class are due to enter service in late 2025.

John Smith, GB Railfreight’s Chief Executive, said the operator could offer “a fully decarbonised solution for freight transport”, with the ‘99s’ cutting emissions by at least 58%.

He added: “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.”

99002 was unveiled at InnoTrains in September, with GB Railfreight leasing the locos from Beacon Rail. It has now returned to Valencia, Spain, where it was built ahead of a move to the Czech Republic for testing, with 99001, in the new year.

Both locos are expected to arrive in the UK in early summer 2025.