GB Railfreight signs new biggest maintenance deal with Wabtec in Peterborough

GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, has signed a new ten‑year agreement with Wabtec, a global rail technology company with extensive expertise in rolling stock maintenance and component services. The partnership will see maintenance of GBRf’s intermodal wagons carried out at the GBRf Peterborough Maintenance Hub.

In a first for the UK rail freight sector, Wabtec will introduce its cutting‑edge KinetiX system — a laser‑guided, high‑speed imaging technology capable of capturing 20,000 images per second. This breakthrough innovation will enable pit‑stop‑style inspections and servicing across GBRf’s fleet of 585 FEA intermodal platform wagons, driving major improvements in maintenance efficiency and accuracy.

Using the data-rich, high‑precision information generated by KinetiX; GBRf and Wabtec will adopt a proactive pit stop maintenance regime. By assessing wagons according to their calculated life cycle, the two organisations will reduce in‑service faults, strengthen fleet resilience, and deliver even greater reliability for customers and the wider rail network.

Liam Day, Director of Assets at GB Railfreight, said:
“This agreement represents a major step forward in how we care for and manage our wagon fleet. By integrating Wabtec’s KinetiX technology into our operations, we gain unprecedented insight into asset health, allowing us to make smarter, data‑driven maintenance decisions. This will not only enhance reliability for our customers but also set a new benchmark for wagon maintenance across the UK freight sector.”

Tim Bentley, Regional Vice President at Wabtec Services UK & Ireland:

“We are delighted that GB Railfreight have awarded Wabtec UK this long-term maintenance contract. This strategic commitment by both parties further strengthens our long established collaborative relationship.

With the support of our cutting‑edge inspection technology, KinetiX, and our highly skilled Technicians and Engineers, working within the world‑class dedicated maintenance hub, we will help GB Railfreight transform wagon maintenance. Together, we will deliver optimised fleet availability and reliability, building a better and more sustainable railway for the future.”