14.07.14
GB Railfreight receives first batch of new Class 66 locos
GB Railfreight has received the first batch of its new Class 66 locomotives from the US, with the next two batches expected in the UK in the next six months.
The five locomotives, which represent the first batch of an order of 21 Class 66s from Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), arrived at the Port of Newport at the end of last week, and will be transported to EMD’s maintenance depot in Doncaster.
John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight, said: “As a company, we have had an exceptional year. These locomotives will allow us to grow our business further in 2015 and continue to provide our customers with the optimum level of service, signifying the confidence we have in the development of the UK rail freight sector and helping us keep the UK economy moving.
“We have been working closely with EMD on this project and I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication in reaching this point. We hope to continue this relationship throughout the rest of the manufacturing and delivery process.”
The purchase of the 21 Class 66 diesel locomotives will take GB Railfreight’s current Class 66 fleet to 71. They have been secured ahead of the change in EU emissions legislation which, from January 2015, sees new regulations coming into force that could impact the ability to obtain compliant and affordable locomotives.
The company hopes this procurement drive will assist in doubling turnover over the next three years, supporting the creation of more jobs and encouraging growth into new freight sectors.
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