Beacon, Stadler, and GB Railfreight place orders for 30 bi-mode locomotives for operation in the UK

Beacon announced the signing of a landmark contract with Stadler for the provision of 30 bi-mode locomotives for the UK to be operated by GB Railfreight. Beacon Rail Leasing is a rolling stock leasing company headquartered in Luxembourg and focused on serving the European and UK markets. Stadler has extensive experience in the UK locomotive market. In recent years they have introduced with Beacon the Class 68 diesel-electric locomotive and the Class 88 bi-mode locomotive. And more recently taking a step further with the development of Class 99. “Rail freight is already a more sustainable alternative to moving goods by road, but the Class 99 will increase our industry’s levels of sustainability and propel us further towards meeting the UK government’s task to decarbonize the rail industry by 2040 in support of the UK’s net zero ambitions,” says John Smith, CEO at GB Railfreight. The 6-axle Class 99s can use existing 25kV overhead line where available combined with their high-power, efficient engine to complete the journey where electrification does not exist. The introduction of these locomotives, with first in class environmental and performance benefits, underlines Beacon’s commitment to support rail freight in the UK, accelerating modal shift and builds on the strong environmental benefit of rail freight. After delivery of the Class 99’s Beacon will have over 500 locomotives in operation throughout Europe. The Class 99 represents the next generation of locomotive and provides a solution for all freight flows throughout the UK.

For more information on Beacon, Stadler, and GB Railfreight place orders for 30 bi-mode locomotives for operation in the UK talk to International Freight Solutions Ltd