A Class 18 locomotive has been delivered to Whitemoor ahead of GB Railfreight carrying out a three-month trial with Beacon Rail Leasing.

The Class 18 hybrid+ locomotive was delivered on the 1st February and will be used as a shunting locomotive as part of the latest expansion to GBRf’s locomotive fleet.

GBRf is looking towards the future of its assets, and these shunting locomotives will allow for low-noise and zero-emission shunting around sidings, yards and depots.

The Class 18 has been manufactured by Clayton Equipment Ltd and is powered by an onboard battery that provides emission-free operation where charging is available, or through a regenerative braking system.

When challenges with range occur, an efficient Stage V compliant engine can be powered up to increase the running time of the locomotive.

David Golding, Asset Director, GB Railfreight, said: “The Class 18 hybrid+ shunting locomotive has the power to play a key role in the decarbonisation of our future fleet. Going forward, it will offer a wide range of sustainable benefits capable of significantly reducing the environmental impact of our operations.”

Rob Dee, Chief Commercial Officer, Beacon, said: “We are very pleased to have delivered the first of our order of 15 Class 18 hybrid+ shunting locomotives, from Clayton Equipment, to GB Railfreight.  This is a key milestone in our delivery program and we look forward to working with GB Railfreight through their trial period. This locomotive will offer our customers a greener and sustainable option for railfreight operations in the UK against the backdrop of targets to reduce emissions,”.

Clive Hannaford, Managing Director, Clayton Equipment, said: “We are very proud to supply GB Railfreight through Beacon Rail with the Class 18 locomotive. In the fast-changing environment with decarbonisation targets, the increased demand for lower emissions, new technology and more capacity, the Clayton Equipment Hybrid+ CBD90 will support GBRf with sustainable environmental benefits which meets their commitment to invest in new technology and provide real cost savings”.