GB Railfreight unveils Britain’s most advanced locomotives at Peterborough HQ

GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators and backed by Infracapital, has unveiled its new Class 99 locomotives at its Peterborough headquarters. The new fleet, which represents a £150 million investment from GBRf, will revolutionise Britain’s rail freight network. Representing a major leap forward for sustainable transport, these powerful new locomotives will play a key role in decarbonising Britain’s supply chains while supporting regional growth and helping to deliver a cleaner, faster, and more resilient freight network.

The Class 99s can run on both electricity and renewable fuels, offering customers the most sustainable freight solution on the market and halving carbon emissions.

These new locomotives, which were manufactured by Stadler in Valencia, will move a vast range of consumable goods and materials across the country. They will support critical projects and stock shops nationwide.

GB Railfreight transports goods across the country including materials for house building, aviation fuel to airports, clothes, white goods, wine and materials used to heat homes – all of which play a significant role in driving the UK economy.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, said of the Class 99: “Major private sector investments like this £150 million commitment to revolutionary Class 99 trains, demonstrate the confidence the rail freight industry has in its future under this Government.

“With robust protections for fair network access and ambitious growth targets a part of our plans for Great British Railways, we’re ensuring the rail freight sector has what it needs to thrive so it can continue removing thousands of HGVs from our roads whilst delivering huge economic benefits across the country.

“I look forward to seeing the Class 99s entering commercial service later this year and seeing the transformative impact they’ll have in decarbonising our rail network.”

John Smith, CEO of GBRf, said: “The Class 99 locomotives set a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in UK rail freight. With hybrid capability, these locomotives provide the resilience and flexibility our customers need to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s standards while supporting the UK’s drive towards net zero.”

Ben Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer of Make UK, said: “A modern and efficient rail network is the hallmark of an advanced economy and will be crucial to boosting growth whilst, at the same time, helping accelerate the decarbonisation of our economy and a substantial reduction in road transport emissions.

“Manufacturers are keen to make greater use of rail logistics and new freight technologies such as the Class 99 will make a critical contribution to cleaner, faster and more efficient supply chain movement.”

The Class 99s are designed to power the future of freight. By running on electric lines where available and switching seamlessly to renewable fuels elsewhere, the Class 99s ensure that goods arrive at their destination sooner and more reliably, all whilst dramatically reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Rail freight plays a vital role in the UK economy, contributing £2.5 billion annually – with 90% of the social and economic benefits felt outside London and the South East. Each freight train removes up to 129 HGVs from Britain’s roads, reducing congestion, improving road safety, and cutting emissions. The arrival of the Class 99 will support even greater regional growth while easing pressure on the nation’s transport infrastructure.

Key features of the Class 99s include:

• Hybrid Power: Operates on both electricity and renewable fuels for maximum flexibility and minimal emissions.
• Enhanced Performance: Delivers faster acceleration, reduced downtime, and increased productivity.
• Sustainability-Driven: Sets a new standard for green rail freight, supporting customers to meet their sustainability targets and lead the race to zero emissions.

The launch event at GBRf’s Peterborough HQ brings together industry leaders, customers, and stakeholders to witness the arrival of a new era in sustainable transport.

“With the Class 99, we’re not just keeping pace with a changing network – we’re shaping its future,” added John Smith. “This is the cleanest, greenest, and fastest way yet to move freight by rail in the UK.”

Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said: “Peterborough is proud to be at the forefront of Britain’s rail freight innovation. The new Class 99 locomotives are a game changer for our city and the national effort to build a greener, more sustainable future.

This investment will help cut emissions, create local jobs, and drive economic growth across the region. I am proud to see our city playing such a key role in shaping the future of rail freight.”

Peter Mitchev, Managing Director of Infracapital, said; “We see the decarbonisation of transport as an integral part of the journey to net zero and are pleased to support GBRF with its investment into the Class 99s.  Rail freight is already significantly less carbon intensive than road freight, and with this new locomotive, GBRf is providing customers further decarbonisation of their supply chains whilst driving economic growth.”

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said; “Today’s launch of the Class 99 redefines UK rail freight. Its dual-mode capability cuts CO₂ emissions, providing operational flexibility and greener, safer and cost-effective transport services. This locomotive will drive modal shift from road to rail and power Britain’s net-zero journey.”

Adam Cunliffe, CEO of Beacon Rail, said; “The arrival of the Class 99s marks an important step forward for rail freight in the UK. They reflect Beacon’s commitment to investing in modern, efficient, and lower-carbon transport solutions that are built to meet the needs of an evolving industry and changing world.”  

Once testing is complete, the new locomotives will enter commercial service this winter.

For more information about the Class 99 and GBRf’s commitment to sustainable rail freight, please visit www.gbrailfreight.com/class99.

The Class 99 was officially unveiled at InnoTrans in Berlin last year.

Photo credits; Tony Miles and Richard Gennis