First GBRf Class 99s arrive in the UK and expected in service by end of 2025

The first two Class 99s arrived in UK on June 10 when they docked at Avonmouth after their journey from the Velim test track in the Czech Republic.

99001/002 are the first of the initial batch of 30 locos that GBRf has on order from Stadler, financed through Beacon Rail. The dual-mode Co-Co electro-diesel locos are set to be moved to Leicester where they will be maintained by Stadler Rail Services.

They will then start driver training and a programme of testing and commissioning before entering commercial service by the end of 2025. The rest of the fleet will begin arriving in the UK in late 2025 and continue throughout 2026.

Based on the proven Stadler Eurodual locomotive concept, the 6,000kW Class 99s can operate on using the 25kV AC electrified OLE to its 2,215hp low-emission Stage-V Cummins diesel engine. They have a maximum speed of 75mph.

They come fitted with AWS and TPWS have been fitted and ETCS will soon be added.

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight, said: “The new locomotives will enable businesses to transport their freight more efficiently. With both renewable fuels and electric capability, our Class 99s are built for a changing network and to meet the evolving demands of our customers."

The first 20 locomotives will be standard 75mph freight locos, but the next ten will have Electric Train Supply for working trains such as the Royal Scotsman and Britannic Explorer.

There is an option for 20 more locomotives, and it is expected this will be taken up, and could include 10-12 locomotives fitted with uprated ETS for use on the Caledonian Sleeper duties. GBRf has yet to confirm the extra 20 locomotives but has indicated they are likely to be included in the production run.

The arrival of Class 99s will allow GBRf to reassess its current fleet. It is likely they will allow it to remove the ten Class 60s from its fleet first, which would make sense now the plan to regear another eight Class 66s is ongoing.

It is also understood some Class 66s could be returned to their leasing companies when their current lease period expire, but such decisions will be dependent on traffic levels.

If ‘99s’ are taken on for sleeper duties, it could mean some Class 92s may be redundant, although GBRf has indicated at the moment, the ‘92s’ remain part of its fleet strategy, although has indicated that parts are getting hard to source.