GB Railfreight launches UK's first hybrid freight locomotive service

GB Railfreight (GBRf) operated the inaugural commercial run of the Class 99 hybrid freight locomotive, marking a key step in modernising and decarbonising Britain’s rail freight network. On 28 July the 99001 unit left DP World’s London Gateway with intermodal freight bound for Maritime Transport’s Hams Hall terminal in the West Midlands.

The Class 99 combines electric operation on electrified lines with renewable‑fuel power on non‑electrified routes, cutting carbon emissions by more than half on a typical journey. The hybrid solution supports the UK government’s target to grow rail freight volume by 75 % by 2050 and aims to unlock green growth in a sector valued at about £2.5 billion.

The locomotive was delivered through a partnership involving Stadler, Beacon Rail and Network Rail. GB Railfreight chief executive John Smith OBE called the launch “the culmination of more than four and a half years of planning, engineering and testing,” while Maritime Transport’s John Bailey praised the successful transition from trial to commercial service.