GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Stadler have signed an agreement under which Stadler Rail Services will be responsible for all aspects of service and maintenance of the GBRf hybrid locomotive fleet from 2025.
GBRf has agreed with Stadler that they will maintain the 30 locomotives at a new depot in Leicester, where they will receive tailored maintenance solutions to ensure a high quality of service. Stadler will manage overhauls, spare parts, material supplies, vehicle repairs, mobile service support, data and maintenance software.
This follows a contract signed by GB Railfreight with Stadler and Beacon Rail in April 2022 covering the manufacturing and delivery of 30 new Class 99 bi-mode Co’Co locomotives. This deal marks the start of a long-term partnership between the organisations.
“The service agreement with Stadler for the Class 99 locomotives brings together its design and maintenance divisions to ensure that rail freight continues to lead the decarbonisation of supply chains,” John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said.
Beacon Rail will own the new hybrid locomotive fleet, and GBRf will be the lessee. The UK government’s electrification rollout, when complete, will enable the Class 99s to run on electricity across all UK routes and reduce emissions by 585,000 tonnes of carbon per year. High quality and reliable servicing is critical to ensuring the fleet can deliver this impact.
“The locomotives that Stadler will be responsible for will pave the way to a greener and more efficient rail network, supporting the industry’s ambition of promoting modal shift from road to rail. We are pleased to be supporting the government’s targets to decarbonise the UK railway by 2040, which will benefit our clients, British business and society alike,” Paul Patrick, Managing Director of Stadler Rail Service UK, said.
The 6-axle bi-mode Co’Co’ locomotives are adapted to the British gauge and specifications, combining 25 kV AC electric and diesel operating modes.
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