15.02.16
Last GB Railfreight Class 66 locomotives arrive in UK
The last diesel-powered Class 66 locomotives to be operated by GB Railfreight (GBRf) are due to be transported to Doncaster today after arriving in the UK last week.
The seven Class 66s (66773-6679), from Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) in the USA, arrived at Newport at 4.00pm on 12 February, and the process of unloading them and coupling them together started at 8.00am the following day.
GBRf received its first batch of five Class 66s in 2014, ahead of changes to EU emissions legislation that came into play in January 2015. The new delivery brings GBRf’s total Class 66 fleet to 78 locomotives.
John Smith, GBRf managing director, said: “Today is a significant moment for GBRf. It marks the culmination of over two years of collaboration with EMD on the 66s build project and I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication in reaching this point.
“The rail freight industry now needs to work together to deliver a new generation of diesel locomotives that are legally compliant with the EU’s new diesel emissions regulations.”
It is thought that developing and approving a new, EU-compliant diesel locomotive will take several years.
GBRf has invested in re-engineering Class 73 locomotives with new power units in order to give the company other diesel fuel options with increased versatility and improved fuel economy.