Author: sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

Young HS2 fan names new carbon-friendly freight train

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

Young HS2 fan names new carbon-friendly freight train

14th September 2021 – A teenage rail fan has today been given the honour of naming a Class 66 locomotive that will transport HS2 construction materials by rail to help reduce carbon emissions.

Jermaine Allen from Leeds unveiled the nameplate for GB Railfreight engine 66796, which he has named ‘The Green Progressor’, at the official opening of HS2’s new 30-acre logistics hub near Willesden Junction in London.

The locomotive features a brand-new livery, promoting the environmental benefits of delivering construction materials by rail instead of road, which inspired the name that Jermaine has chosen.

For every locomotive that HS2 uses to transport aggregates and construction materials, up to 76 lorries are removed from the UK’s roads and motorway network.

On average, around 100 freight trains per week are moving HS2 construction materials across the rail network, which not only makes our roads safer, but also supports HS2’s commitment to reduce the carbon impact of construction by at least 50%, as each tonne of freight transported by rail reduces CO2 emissions by 76% compared to road.

A self-confessed train fanatic, Jermaine has closely followed the story of HS2’s development and construction since he was five-years-old. Accompanied by his parents, Jermaine has visited several construction sites along the 140-mile route that HS2 will follow between the West Midlands and London Euston, learning about the construction methods that HS2 is adopting in readiness for the arrival of Britain’s high speed railway providing low carbon transport.

Today’s invitation to visit HS2’s new Logistics Hub, which has been constructed and will be operated by HS2’s construction partner, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), was a dream come true for the 15-year-old. But a special surprise on the day, organised by GB Railfreight and SCS JV, also saw Jermaine unveil a name plate for an engine named after him – a Class 08 shunting locomotive.

Speaking about his experience, Jermaine said:

“It’s great to have this fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel very privileged to name this locomotive and to be playing a part in the delivery of Europe’s biggest infrastructure project.”

The Green Progressor will transport construction materials, spoil and aggregates to depots right across HS2’s Phase One route between the West Midlands and London. 66796 is one of five Class 66 locomotives imported from Germany by GB Railfreight to provide more capacity for Britain’s growing rail freight sector. It is scheduled to make its maiden journey by the end of the year, once refurbishment works – that will see the locomotive fitted with the latest communications systems – are carried out.

The locomotive’s new livery and the opportunity to extend an invitation to Jermaine to name it was facilitated by HS2’s Conventional Rail Interface Manager, Andrew Graham and GB Railfreight’s CEO, John Smith. Both organisations were keen to highlight the crucial role that transporting materials by freight plays in reducing carbon impacts, while providing the opportunity for a budding rail enthusiast to make his mark in the construction of this once in a lifetime project.

John Smith CEO of GB Railfreight, Jermaine Allen HS2 Superfan, Mark Thurston CEO of HS2, James Richard Managing Director of SCS, and Liz Rawlinson Project Manager at SCS

Andrew Graham, Conventional Rail Interface Manager at HS2 Ltd said:

“Jermaine’s passion, enthusiasm and knowledge is simply outstanding and we are delighted to have created this opportunity for him.”

Class 08 shunter ‘Jermaine’ will occupy a permanent base at HS2’s new logistics hub in Willesden where it will move wagons into position ready to transport and receive materials.

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight said:

“It’s wonderful to provide a young rail enthusiast like Jermaine the opportunity to name one of our Class 66 locomotives. By choosing the name, ‘The Green Progressor’, he has truly captured the role rail freight can play in delivering a more sustainable logistics solution for the construction of HS2.

”Working with SCS JV, we were also honoured to celebrate Jermaine’s special connection to our railways by naming a Class 08 shunter after him.”

Over the next decade, up to 15,000 freight trains will haul 10 million tonnes of aggregate to HS2 construction sites, marking a significant investment for Britain’s rail freight sector.

Furthermore, once HS2 opens and moves long-distance, inter-city passenger services on to dedicated high-speed lines, the new railway will free up space for more freight services across the country, as well as additional local and regional passenger trains.

GB Railfreight rebrands locomotive to raise awareness of prostate cancer, in partnership with the League Managers Association and Prostate Cancer UK

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GB Railfreight rebrands locomotive to raise awareness of prostate cancer, in partnership with the League Managers Association and Prostate Cancer UK

Richard Bevan LMA Chief Executive, John Smith CEO of GB Railfreight and Angela Culhane CEO of Prostate Cancer UK

Photos taken by Pip Dunn

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has today unveiled a newly named Class 66 locomotive in honour of its partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, GBRf’s chosen charity, and the League Managers Association (LMA), GBRf’s corporate partner.

Revealed at Victoria Station in London, the locomotive has been named “League Managers Association” and painted in a unique livery featuring Prostate Cancer UK’s iconic logo – the Man of Men – to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men. After the naming ceremony, guests boarded a specially chartered service hauled by the newly named locomotive for a trip around the Kent countryside.

In addition to the unveiling, this September GBRf will be operating a 4-day rail tour in support of Prostate Cancer UK. ‘GBRf 2021’ will be the third 4-day rail tour organised by the company, having raised over a quarter of a million pounds from its previous two marathon charity charter trains.

GB Railfreight announced its partnership with Prostate Cancer UK back in January 2020. As GBRf’s chosen charity partner, all fundraising activities conducted by the company is in support of Prostate Cancer UK’s mission to stop the disease limiting lives.

GBRf has also been working with its corporate partner, the LMA, since 2020. As part of its partnership with GBRf, the LMA offers access to football managers, elite-level leadership and high-performance experts and the most recognisable personalities in sport.

Prostate Cancer UK is also the official charity of the LMA. The important partnership increases awareness of prostate cancer through football and activities conducted by the LMA’s membership from across The Football Association, Premier League, and Football Leagues.

Angela Culhane, Frank Clark, Roy Hodgson, David Pleat, Howard Wilkinson LMA Chairman, Richard Bevan and Tony Pulis

John Smith, CEO, GB Railfreight:

“Our specially painted Class 66 locomotive will be raising vital awareness around the issue of prostate cancer by showcasing the iconic Man of Men logo as it travels across the country on the railway. This has only been made possible by the strong collaboration GBRf has with its two brilliant partners, Prostate Cancer UK and the League Managers Association.”

Angela Culhane, CEO, Prostate Cancer UK:

“We are delighted the iconic Prostate Cancer UK “Man of Men” logo will be displayed proudly on the Class 66 locomotive together with the League Managers Association name plate.

“This is an excellent initiative, which not only raises funds for vital research into better tests and treatments, it will also spark conversations about prostate cancer – a disease affecting one in eight men in the UK, and one in four black men. We are very pleased to be working with two of our fantastic partners on this life saving journey and thank them for their ongoing support.”

LMA, Chief Executive, Richard Bevan said:

“The LMA is privileged to be involved with the unveiling of this newly named Class 66 locomotive in collaboration with our Corporate Partner GB Railfreight and longstanding Charity Partner Prostate Cancer UK. We are excited to be able to raise awareness of our fantastic partnerships with both of these organisations and to continue to develop the partnerships into the upcoming season.”

LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson said:

“On behalf of the LMA and all the association’s members, I would like to thank GB Railfreight for unveiling this locomotive in honour of its partnership with both the LMA and Prostate Cancer UK. We are extremely proud to be partners with these two fantastic organisations.”

GB Railfreight’s regional investment continues with new Peterborough HQ, officially opened by Rail Minister

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GB Railfreight’s regional investment continues with new Peterborough HQ, officially opened by Rail Minister

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight and Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Minister of State for Transport

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, officially opened the new GB Railfreight (GBRf) Peterborough headquarters today, marking a major long-term investment into the local area by the leading UK rail freight company.

The new £3 million building accommodates GBRf’s traincrew and office staff including its 24-hour control centre, training and operations departments, as well as the asset management team.

GBRf will look to become the industry’s leading training provider for those embarking on a promising career in rail freight. The building plays host to three new purpose-built classrooms and state-of-the-art simulators which will be used to develop future generations of talent from the local area and beyond.

This year alone, 120 people are expected to use the facility and develop skills to qualify for a variety of roles from trainee train drivers to apprenticeships.

Sustainability and wellbeing are central to the new headquarters, with features such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and cycle racks as well as a catering hub and new shower facilities for its around the clock staff. This reinforces GBRf’s commitment to sustainability and investing in its workforce.

John Smith, Paul Bristow MP, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald, Leader of the Peterborough City Council

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said:

“The new Peterborough headquarters is one of GBRf’s single largest investments to date and builds on our ever-growing presence in the local community and commitment to regional development. As we build towards a brighter future, we want to foster the next generation of rail freight talent and our new headquarters will help us achieve this aim.”

Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Rail Minister, said:

“It is a pleasure to open the brand-new GB Railfreight headquarters, which will provide future generations with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in rail freight.

“Our rail freight sector has kept our country and economy moving through the pandemic, and we will continue to support the growth of this key industry, particularly as we look to decarbonise transport and deliver net-zero by 2050.”

GB Railfreight complete £1.5 million upgrade to Eastleigh and Bescot LDCs for Network Rail

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GB Railfreight complete £1.5 million upgrade to Eastleigh and Bescot LDCs for Network Rail

26th July 2021 – GB Railfreight (GBRf) has completed two major upgrade projects funded by Network Rail worth over £1.5 million, aimed at improving vital Local Distribution Centres (LDCs) in Eastleigh and Bescot.

Both LDCs act as a focal point for the shunting, marshalling and preparation of trains needed to support vital engineering works carried out by Network Rail.

The work on Eastleigh LDC, in Hampshire, has been two years in the making with GBRf replacing old cabins with updated facilities that provide full recreational capability, offices for management, a meeting room, as well as a vantage point that overlooks the yard. Alongside this, GBRf undertook a car park overhaul, maximising the potential parking for those operating onsite.

Staff officially relocated to the new facility on 1 June, moving from temporary accommodation which has been a welcome change.

The West Midlands-based Bescot LDC has undergone a series of works to repair and renew underinvested and unsafe track at the site. The project included the removal of abandoned buildings, lighting upgrade works, installation of Armco crash barriers, new safe walking routes and safety steps, and reinstatement of siding 1 which has been derelict for many years by using recycled rail and sleepers.

Backed by Network Rail Supply Chain Operations (SCO) and the Network Rail Freight Safety Improvement Fund, Bescot LDC has been hugely improved to prevent derailments.

Mike Black, Supply Chain Services Director of Network Rail said:

“Local distribution centres may not instinctively sound like the most critical part of running a railway, but they’re absolutely vital to maintaining and renewing the railway, and keeping our passengers and freight moving.

“The improvements delivered at Eastleigh and Bescot are part of our wider strategy to modernise supply chain operations sites in order to make working practices even safer and more efficient while also improving performance.”

 David Golding, Asset Director of GB Railfreight, said:

“Our partnership with Network Rail has seen the completion of both projects on time and within budget, providing the facilities needed to ensure the smooth running of LDCs, which are a vital part of our infrastructure system in the UK. This work will help to bring LDCs into the twenty-first century, as we see demand for UK-wide possession and support services increase post-pandemic.”

Life of former inspector of railways celebrated with freight train named in his honour

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

Life of former inspector of railways celebrated with freight train named in his honour

GB Railfreight and the Office of Rail and Road has honoured the last Royal Engineer officer to be appointed a HM Railway Inspector, Major John Poyntz, by naming a freight train after him.

GB Railfreight’s Class 66 train – 66764 – will take the name of the former inspector, who died in November 2020 aged 82.

His life was celebrated at industry event, Rail Live, today (16 June) where the unveiling was announced in front of a socially distanced crowd.

Major John Poyntz was in the army for 35 years, serving with the Royal Engineers and later the Royal Corps of Transport.

After military service, he joined the Railway Inspectorate – now part of the Office of Rail and Road – a move he viewed as an honour and privilege.

He was the last Royal Engineer to take such route, spending 25 years in the role as a Railway Inspector. His work included inspections of heritage railways and dealing with accidents and incidents such as the Severn tunnel rail accident and the Cannon Street rail crash both in 1991.

Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector of Railways at ORR, said:

“His enthusiasm for anything on the railways was unparalleled and he would often be seen with a notebook in hand, while looking from a train window.

“It was a privilege to have got to know him and he remains greatly missed. I am pleased to donate this name plate on behalf of ORR and thank GB Railfreight for offering its locomotive to place this commemorative plaque, and have his name etched in the railways.”

GBRf Managing Director John Smith said:

“Major John Poyntz had a very special connection to the railway throughout his established and celebrated career.

“Working with ORR, we’re proud to see his legacy continue by naming a Class 66 locomotive in his honour. After today, the loco carrying his name will be supporting the movement of crucial rail freight across the network.

“A fitting tribute to Major John who dedicated so much of his time for country and the railways.”

GBRf runs first Stanton Gate service since 2009 for Ward

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GBRf runs first Stanton Gate service since 2009 for Ward

GB Railfreight, one of the UK’s leading transport companies and the fastest growing rail freight operator, operated the first loaded freight service from Stanton Gate since 2009 on behalf of Ward.

GBRf reacted to a late notice demand from Ward and was asked to transport in excess of 1400 tonnes of fragmented steel to Immingham Dock. Previous trials had been run at the site to prove the ability to transport bulks services following significant infrastructure work.

The site at Stanton Gate was recently acquired by Verdant Regeneration, a joint venture between Ward and Trust Utility Management. The team has plans to transform the former steel works – one of the largest potential development sites in the East Midlands – into a thriving national distribution, logistics and rail freight hub for the Midlands, to be called New Stanton Park.

The service is further proof of GBRf’s reliable and resilient customer service, which once again delivered for its commercial partners at a moment’s notice. Having already run trials to prove its credentials, the GBRf team showed how it can turn around services such as this in a short space of time and that it will stop at nothing to meet customer demands.

Carl Kent, Head of Sales at GB Railfreight, said:

“The acquisition of such a large site by Verdant JV will help breathe new life into the local area and we hope further opportunities for sustainable freight by rail. The commitment that Ward have shown to developing new rail freight has been impressive and we have worked with them to promptly respond to their demand. If all parties involved are committed and work collaboratively, there is no reason at all that new to rail freight activity from dormant freight estate need take many months or years to deliver.”

GBRf celebrate wins at Golden Whistles Awards 2021

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GBRf celebrate wins at Golden Whistles Awards 2021

Ian Langton, GBRf Production Director, receiving the award from Glen Merryman, Chair of the IRO South East Council

GB Railfreight are celebrating two wins at this year’s virtual Golden Whistles Awards, following the announcement that GBRf has won the Silver Whistle award in the Freight Performance and the Delay Minutes Award categories.

The Golden Whistles Awards are organised by Modern Railways and the Institution of Railway Operators and have taken place throughout the week.

The Silver Whistle is awarded to the “most improved” freight operator in the Freight Performance category and is based on ‘A2F’ (Arrival to Fifteen) moving annual average scores of freight operating companies. The Minimising Delay Minutes award meanwhile takes into account all routes and assesses them for delay minutes caused to all operators, moving the annual average to end of Period 9. GBRf was also awarded the Silver Whistle in this category.

GBRf Production Director Ian Langton said:

“Huge congratulations to all the GBRf team for another awards win. These two awards are a reflection of the work the team does across the business, showing us to have been the most improved in both the Freight Performance and the Delay Minutes Award categories. 

“What these awards also show is the deep resilience of our business model, and our constant focus on improving and innovating. As a company we always strive to do better and these two ‘most improved’ awards are a testament to the hard work done by the amazing GBRf staff.”

GBRf & MSC UK drive sustainability with new 5-year rail deal

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GBRf & MSC UK drive sustainability with new 5-year rail deal

GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Ltd. (MSC) are delighted to announce a new five-year deal, further strengthening their long-established relationship and joint commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for customers.

GBRf has been a provider of rail services to MSC since 2002. Their knowledge and expertise in supplying locomotives and wagons combined with MSC’s extensive line haulage services enables the two companies to deliver market leading door-to-door services to their customers.

The new agreement will be volume-based and is expected to increase wagon utilisation that in turn will help further reduce carbon emissions.

MSC commented:

“MSC is once again delighted to confirm a new five year deal with GBRf who have been supporting MSC with our Intermodal rail services since 2002. Our priority was to continue to offer unparalleled capability and flexibility to our line haulage customers in a fast paced and ever evolving UK intermodal market. Increased wagon utilisation was a key component from the start and engagement with ports and inland terminals to support this initiative took place early on.

We are delighted that our new shared contract will allow both MSC and GBRf to continue our work in taking steps to reduce CO2 emissions by moving containers via rail, closer to final destination.”

 The services will operate from Felixstowe and London Gateway to both the Midlands and Yorkshire , with a minimum commitment of 5 days a week. Over the course of the next five years, the deal will remain agile and be able to provide flexibility to changing market dynamics while supporting MSC’s intermodal volume growth.

John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said:

“We are thrilled to have signed this contract with MSC. They are a longstanding partner and one of the leading shipping and logistics companies in the world, and we are delighted to be able to continue working with them for the next five years.

“Given MSC’s projected future growth we have struck a flexible agreement which will allow both parties to make better use of the services we share. As a business we always put the clients first and we are delighted to be able to cater to MSC’s needs with this contract renewal.

“With the economic picture looking uncertain, I am pleased we will continue working with MSC – a move which shows that the rail freight market is in good shape and will be needed more than ever as we begin the road back to recovery.”

 With proven records of ability to adapt to fast-paced, changing economic and market climates, both GBRf and MSC will be further supporting their customers’ supply chains with increased stability, flexibility and sustainability.

GB Railfreight comment on the publication of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail White Paper

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

Commenting on the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail White Paper, published today, John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and appreciate the warm words used to describe rail freight – correctly identified as having played a crucial role in keeping food and medical supplies moving during the pandemic as well as being key to building back better.

“As the Williams Review found, the rail sector lacks clear strategic direction. While we would have preferred a freight specific guiding mind, we welcome the government’s intent that the new Great British Railway body will have a statutory duty to promote rail freight. Within this context it is vital that our access to the network is given long term security as soon as possible. 

“However we remain of the belief that our sector needs a Freight Evangelist to champion it within GBR and across Whitehall. The benefits of rail freight are there for all to see, and we hope they will be recognised by GBR once it has been set up. Hopefully such an individual will be placed in post within the GBR organisation.

“We look forward to playing our part in shaping in the future of the railways including working with GBR and the Department for Transport on the Whole Industry 30-year Strategic Plan that will be set out in the coming months as announced in the White Paper.”

GBRf extend contract with Belmond for Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland’s haulage

Posted on by sam.batey@gbrailfreight.com

GBRf extend contract with Belmond for Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland’s haulage

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with Belmond to extend its existing contract to haul Belmond’s prestigious Royal Scotsman luxury sleeper train.

The partnership will last for an additional five years and will see GBRf continue to operate the train’s luxury journeys through spectacular Scottish scenery. The train holds up to forty guests and offers two, three and four night routes through the heart of the Highlands.

Today’s announcement is continued proof of GBRf’s strength and resilience as one of the country’s leading transport companies. Despite the disruption due to COVID-19, GB Railfreight has continued to provide first class services to all its commercial partners and is seeing business flourish despite the uncertain economic outlook.

Gary Franklin, Vice President, Trains & Cruises, Belmond, said:

“We are pleased to continue our relationship with GBRf who have been excellent partners since 2015. We look forward to commencing the Royal Scotsman’s operations again in 2021 – offering truly exceptional journeys through the heart of Scotland.”

John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said:

 “We are absolutely delighted to be signing this contract extension with Belmond. As one of the UK’s preeminent luxury travel brands, we are honoured to continue working with them. Our existing relationship goes back to 2015 and to see it continue is a sign of how well we have cooperated over the years. 

“This is also a good sign given the economic uncertainty businesses face in light of the third national lockdown in England. Rail freight has been one of the drivers of economic activity throughout this period and will be needed now more than ever to ensure we recovery quickly. By strengthening partnerships such as the one with Belmond we are doing our bit to put our economy back on track.”