Rail freight UK

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has acquired four new electric Class 18 hybrid+ shunt locomotives to its growing fleet. These locomotives alongside other industry leading decarbonisation initiatives will contribute to GBRf’s efforts to reduce the emissions of Great Britain’s supply chains.

The new locomotives will be based across GBRf’s sites and will be used to support supply chain operations (SCO) services for Network Rail. These services ensure that the materials and components that keep the railway safe and operational, are where they should be, when they need to be. Ensuring that all rail users, whether passenger or freight are able to utilise a safe and efficient railway.

As a part of GBRf’s decarbonisation strategy, the Class 18s are one of a number of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the UK’s supply chains. Other initiatives include GBRf ordering 30 brand new hybrid Class 99 locomotives that will enter service in 2025; moving all sites to use energy sourced only from renewable source; an electric vehicle incentivisation scheme for staff and switching their van fleet to electric vehicles at the end of the current leasing agreement.

The Class 18s were manufactured by Clayton Equipment Ltd and are powered by an onboard battery, with charging through a three-phase electric supply or via a regenerative braking system. The Bo-Bo locomotive is also self-contained, with an onboard diesel engine which meets EU Stage V emissions standards.

David Golding, Asset Director – GB Railfreight, said: “The Class 18 hybrid+ shunt locomotives are another exciting step forward for GB Railfreight in modernising and decarbonising our business. By utilising them on SCO services, we’re making sure our partnership delivers a greener, more sustainable railway that works better for everyone.”

Ross Theobald, Delivery Director, Supply Chain Services at Network Rail, said: “A greener supply chain helps us to operate more sustainably, with cleaner air for the people and wildlife that live nearby.”