Freight operator GB Railfreight (GBRf) has brought ten Class 60 heavy freight locomotive back into service, having acquired them from Colas Rail in 2018.
Use of the Class 60 locomotives will allow GBRf to run heavier and longer trains, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions per tonne transported. The main duties of these locomotives will be hauling biomass to power stations.
GBRf has now arranged for another rail freight company, DB Cargo UK, to undertake regular maintenance on them, as well as provide technical in-field support. DB Cargo has its own fleet of the same locomotives, although they are not all currently in service.
The agreement will see GBRf’s engineering team work closely with DB Cargo UK to maximise locomotive performance and reliability.
John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight, said: “I am thrilled to be unveiling this new partnership with DB Cargo UK. At this time of economic uncertainty, it is important for the rail freight sector to work together to deliver investment to support its growth.
“Most importantly, the economic recovery needs to be green and sustainable and, by maintaining these locos, we will ensure fewer carbon emissions in the long run.
“I am pleased that rail freight is playing its part in the economic recovery driven by environmentally sustainable investment.”
In response, Hans-Georg Werner, CEO at DB Cargo UK, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with our colleagues at GB Railfreight, providing high quality maintenance services for their Class 60 locomotives.
“At DB Cargo UK, we pride ourselves on the quality of our engineering, with our key focus being on cost-effective locomotive availability and reliability.”
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