GB Railfreight (GBRf) has taken delivery of its first batch of new Class 66 locomotives from Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD).
The first five locomotives of 21 ordered by the freight operator where unloaded at the Port of Newport between July 10 and 11. They will now be transported to EMD’s Doncaster depot.
Two more batches will arrive in the UK in the next six months.
The new locomotives, which have been procured ahead of the introduction of new EU emissions regulations in January 2015, will increase GBRf’s Class 66 fleet to 71.
John Smith, managing director of GB Railfreight, said: “ Today is a momentous day for GB Railfreight. This first batch is five of 21 new Class 66 locomotives that will be arriving at the Port of Newport over the next 9-12 months.
“ As a company, we have had an exceptional year. These locomotives will allow us to grow our business further in 2015 and continue to provide our customers with the optimum level of service, signifying the confidence we have in the development of the UK rail freight sector and helping us keep the UK economy moving.
“ We have been working closely with EMD on this project and I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication in reaching this point. We hope to continue this relationship throughout the rest of the manufacturing and delivery process. ”
