GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Akiem signed a 10-year locomotive leasing contract under which GBP 25 million (EUR 28.3 million) will be invested to increase the number of locomotives across GBRf’s operations. This investment has been made possible by GBRf’s recent wins in the intermodal sector and continuing growth across a number of key markets, the company says.
“Over the past two years we’ve seen a significant growth in rail freight, with new customers and markets coming to us for support with their supply chains. This new deal with Akiem is part of our commitment to maintain this growth and offer a more sustainable alternative to transporting goods across the UK,” John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight said.
The 11 Class 77 and Class 66 locomotives will operate services for businesses across intermodal, energy generation, infrastructure, waste, construction and rail services. They will arrive from continental Europe between January 2023 and May 2024.
On arrival in the UK, further investment will be made to convert the locomotives to make them compliant for UK service at EMD Doncaster Roberts Road. The first of the locomotives is expected to begin operating across the UK’s rail network by summer 2023.
“In a few months’ time, when our mainland European high-performance Cl 66 and Cl77 have been converted into locomotives perfectly adapted to the UK market, thanks to the GBRf teams technical expertise, they will greatly contribute to the development of rail freight across the United Kingdom,” Simon-Pierre Trezeguet, Managing Director of Akiem Locomotive Leasing Business Unit said.
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