DELIVERIES of a new fleet of American-built, environment-friendly locomotives for Freightliner are expected to start during the latter part of 2009.

A model showing the design concept of the new PowerHaul locomotive being developed for Freightliner was on show for the first time at the major InnoTrans exhibition in Berlin.

Freightliner Group’s order for 30 of the newly designed locomotives is the largest in its history.

Incorporating the newly-developed 16-cylinder Power-Haul engine, the locomotive is GE Transportation’s most technologically-advanced global design to date and is expected to cut fuel consumption by up to nine per cent of current fleet operating averages and reduce carbon emissions.

The new locomotive, which will be capable of 75mph running, is based on the company’s 2005 Evolution series, of which more than 2,800 units are currently in service worldwide.

Their powerful engines deliver five per cent greater fuel efficiency and a 40 per cent reduction in emissions. Each locomotive will consume around 300,000 less gallons of fuel than previous motive power during its working life.

Freightliner has to date made no decision on where the locos will be used but it has been suggested that they might haul heavier trains on the West and East Coast routes to make up for lack of capacity.

“The project is on track to deliver increased hauling capacity and a significant improvement in fuel economy, and we are extremely pleased with the development to date of these locomotives,” said Tim Shakerley, engineering director, Freightliner Group Ltd.

“The new locomotive will enable us to haul greater payloads and increase our fuel efficiencies, improving our carbon footprint and service offering to our customers.

“Packaging all of the new technology – including AC traction, dynamic brake and air-conditioned cabs – into a locomotive that is compliant to UK clearance gauge and axle weight has been a challenge, but the design team has been uncompromising in delivering these objectives with a delivery date towards the end of 2009.

“Freightliner is committed to increasing the amount of freight by rail, and is currently removing up to 70 lorries of the UK roads with each intermodal service we operate.

“The introduction of these locomotives will enable us to remove even more vehicles from the UK’s congested roads.”

The 30 GE Transportation locos will expand Freightliner’s existing fleet of more than 160 locomotives and 3,000 freight wagons.

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