GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s fastest‑growing and most influential rail freight operators, has announced a transformative 10‑year strategic maintenance partnership with global rail technology leader Wabtec. The long‑term agreement will see Wabtec deliver advanced maintenance and component services for GBRf’s intermodal wagon fleet, with all work carried out at the GBRf Peterborough Maintenance Hub.
In a major first for the UK freight rail industry, Wabtec will deploy its cutting‑edge KinetiX system—a laser‑guided, high‑speed imaging platform capable of capturing 20,000 images per second. This highly sophisticated technology enables rapid, pit‑stop‑style inspections, giving engineers unprecedented visibility into the condition of GBRf’s 585 FEA intermodal platform wagons.
By harnessing KinetiX’s data‑rich insights, GBRf and Wabtec will shift to a proactive maintenance model, optimising wagon servicing based on calculated life‑cycle assessments. This approach is expected to significantly reduce in‑service faults, enhance fleet resilience, and improve reliability for logistics customers and the wider UK 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, said:
"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.”
This landmark partnership positions GBRf and Wabtec at the forefront of UK freight innovation, showcasing how high‑precision imaging technology and next‑generation maintenance strategies can drive a more reliable, sustainable, and efficient rail sector.
