Freightliner to repurpose coal wagons for sustainable freight

Freightliner, in collaboration with the UK’s only railway wagon manufacturer WH Davis and Porterbrook, is spearheading a sustainable initiative to repurpose a fleet of redundant coal wagons into modern aggregate box wagons.

The conversion process will be undertaken at the WH Davis factory in Mansfield, breathing new life into the decommissioned fleet. Porterbrook will fund the conversion and lease the repurposed wagons to Freightliner.

“We are thrilled to be providing a sustainable solution for these coal wagons. By reconditioning them in the UK, we not only reduce waste but also contribute to the local economy”, Freightliner’s rail services managing director Dave Penney said.

Both Freightliner and Porterbrook hope that it will enhance rail freight growth alongside providing more sustainable options for customers, but it is the growth in the construction sector which is one of the key drivers for this project, believes Porterbrook’s head of freight, Mark Wyborn.

 “With freight volumes in the construction sector on the rise and expected to continue growing, we are proud to support the industry through our partnership with Freightliner and WH Davis.”

He added, “This agreement reinforces our dedication to investing in the long-term growth of rail freight while providing innovative and eco-friendly rolling stock for the UK railway.”

Andy Houghton, Managing Director – WH Davis Ltd emphasised the project's dual benefits, saying, “This initiative demonstrates the potential of repurposing redundant fleets, extending their lifespan for another 30 years or more. It's a testament to sustainable practices and a boost for UK manufacturing. We are excited to see our latest box wagon design in action for Freightliner in 2025."