Freight operator, GB Railfreight, has announced a new 10-year locomotive leasing deal with European leasing company, Akiem.
The new agreement will see a £25 million investment into the number of locomotives in use with GB Railfreight.
11 Class 77 and Class 66 locomotives will operate services once they arrive from continental Europe between January 2023 and May 2024.
EMD Doncaster Roberts Road will be the base for the new arrivals whilst they are converted to make them safe for use on the UK’s railways, with the first loco expected in service by Summer 2023.
John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight said: “Over the past two years we’ve seen a significant growth in rail freight, with new customers and markets coming to us for support with their supply chains. This new deal with Akiem is part of our commitment to maintain this growth and offer a more sustainable alternative to transporting goods across the UK.”
Simon-Pierre Trezeguet, Managing Director of Akiem Locomotive Leasing Business Unit said: “We are very pleased to be adding such renown and appreciated Cl66 & Cl77 locomotives to the UK market while strengthening our partnership with GBRf. In a few months’ time, when our mainland European high-performance Cl 66 & Cl77 have been converted into locomotives perfectly adapted to the UK market, thanks to the GBRf teams technical expertise, they will greatly contribute to the development of rail freight across the United Kingdom”
Responses
They are to be numbered 66306-316 according to sources
What’s the difference between a Class 77 and a Class 66?
Cl77 are slightly more squarish, and are euro spec, working across France and germany
77 was developed for continental trains, which are heavier and so it has a different gear case and increased pulling power, something like 450kN rather than 405kN. Class 77 is the French designation. Probably also differences in safety stuff, etc.