A fleet of 30 bi-mode Class 99 locomotives has been ordered from Stadler for GB Railfreight, financed by Beacon Rail.

Based on Stadler’s existing EURODUAL locomotives, the Co-Co Class 99s will be able to haul freight on electrified and non-electrified sections, using a high-power low-emissions Stage-V diesel engine where necessary. The locomotives will have a maxium speed of 120km/h (75mph).

Iñigo Parra,, who is CEO of Stadler Valencia, said: ‘Over recent years, we have introduced the Class 68 diesel-electric locomotive, the Class 88 bi-mode locomotive and Europe's first tri-mode locomotive, the Class 93, in line with our commitment to decarbonising rail transport. We are very proud to go one step further with the development of the Class 99, a versatile, high-performance locomotive that will provide environmentally-friendly and cost-effective rail transport services, supporting modal shift to rail.’

GBRf CEO John Smith added: ’Today’s announcement is an important milestone for GB Railfreight and the UK, and I want to thank the teams at Stadler and Beacon Rail for their collaboration in producing a train fit for a greener future. Rail freight is already a more sustainable alternative to moving goods by road, but the Class 99 will increase our industry’s levels of sustainability and propel us further towards meeting the UK government’s task to decarbonise the rail industry by 2040.’

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