GB Railfreight has invested £150 million in new Class 99 rail freight locomotives at its Peterborough headquarters that are expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 58% on journeys.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the new locomotives are estimated to remove 129 HGVs from the road per train and run on both electricity and renewable fuels. 

Both GB Railfreight and the DfT believe this will significantly reduce congestion and improve road safety for drivers.  

Currently, the economy benefits from £2.5 billion each year from rail freight. These new trains will be transporting vital materials and stock for shops. The locomotives are also expected to support greater regional growth across the country.  

Former CILT(UK) president and current Minister of State for Rail, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said: “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.”