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GB Railfreight helps the Port of Immingham celebrate 100 years of operation with locomotive naming 30 April 2012
As part of Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Immingham’s centenary celebrations, GB Railfreight (GBRf), the award-winning freight haulier, has named a locomotive Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012.
The locomotive, number 66742, was named at a special ceremony at the port on Friday 27th April. It was unveiled by special guest Michael Portillo, who filmed some of GBRf’s work at Immingham as part of his popular BBC2 Series Great Railway Journeys. The episode will be screened in early 2013.
GBRf has a long-established partnership with Immingham, transporting coal and fuel from the port.
The Port of Immingham was officially opened by King George V on 22nd July 1912. During World War I it was a Royal Navy N Submarine base, while in 1944 minesweeper HMS Fancy and escort destroyer HMS Cotswold both underwent repair there. Since 2001 Immingham has officially been the busiest port in the UK with over 50millions tonnes a year being handled. Furthermore the port is the hub for over 25% of all the UK’s rail freight .
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said: “It is a pleasure to name this locomotive Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012, celebrating not just the continued expansion of the UK’s largest port, but also recognising the on-going partnership between GBRf and the port.”
John Fitzgerald ABP Port Director Grimsby & Immingham said “we are truly grateful to John and his team for the honour of this locomotive naming. This year we celebrate 100 years since the opening of the port. Our links to the rail industry stem from the original developers of Immingham Great Central Railway Company, and rail plays a vital role in moving cargo through our facilities. Our thanks also go to Michael Portillo who gave up his busy filming schedule to join in our celebration.”
