United Kingdom: GB Railfreight's Class 99 Hybrid Locomotive Enters Commercial Service

GB Railfreight (GBRf) operated the first commercial service of its Class 99 hybrid freight locomotive on 28-29 July 2026, with locomotive 99001 hauling intermodal containers for Maritime Transport from DP World London Gateway to the Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal in the West Midlands, the operator said.

The Class 99 locomotives combine electric traction on electrified routes with the ability to run on renewable fuel on non-electrified lines -- around 40% of the UK network is electrified -- and GBRf said the fleet cuts emissions by more than half on a typical journey. GBRf, Stadler and leasing company Beacon Rail announced the GBP150 million order for 30 six-axle electro-diesel locomotives in April 2022, following more than four and a half years of planning, engineering and testing.

"The Class 99 combines lower emissions, better performance and a modern, safer working environment," said John Smith OBE, CEO of GB Railfreight. Stadler UK and Ireland Sales Director Ralf Warwel said the entry into commercial service "marks a major milestone for rail freight." DP World UK Ports and Terminals CEO Kris Adams said rail freight is "an important and growing part of our service," while Maritime Transport Intermodal Managing Director John Bailey noted the locomotive can run under electric power on electrified sections.

GBRf said the UK rail freight sector is worth GBP2.5 billion to the national economy, with a government target of 75% growth by 2050.