GB Railfreight Advances Class 99 Bi-Mode Locomotive Testing
Signal
GB Railfreight's Class 99 bi-mode locomotives successfully operated an intermodal service trial from London Gateway to Hams Hall, Birmingham.
Impact
positiveThis development impacts GB Railfreight, which is set to enhance its service offerings, and DP World and Maritime Transport, who benefit from improved logistics efficiency. The successful trials position the Class 99 as a key player in the UK’s transition to cleaner rail freight operations.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) has made significant strides in the testing of its new Class 99 bi-mode locomotives, successfully operating an intermodal service trial between DP World’s London Gateway and Maritime Transport’s Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal in Birmingham. This trial, which took place on June 22, 2026, marks a crucial step in the commissioning program for the Class 99 fleet, which is scheduled to enter full commercial service in July 2026.
The Class 99 locomotives, built by Stadler, feature both electric and diesel capabilities, allowing them to operate efficiently across the UK’s rail network, which suffers from gaps in electrification. GBRf emphasized that the trial demonstrated the locomotive's performance under real operating conditions, showcasing its potential to enhance the efficiency of intermodal logistics.
John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, "It is fantastic to see an intermodal train hauled by one of these new locomotives on the network. The Class 99 represents a real step change for our industry, building on rail’s position as the cleanest and most productive way to move goods around the country." This sentiment reflects the broader industry trend towards sustainability and efficiency in freight transport.
The successful operation involved collaboration with key logistics players, including DP World, which manages the London Gateway terminal, and Maritime Transport, which oversees Hams Hall. This partnership is indicative of a growing interest in integrated logistics solutions that leverage advanced locomotive technology to improve service delivery.
GBRf has ordered a total of 30 Class 99 units from Stadler, demonstrating its commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing operational capabilities. The arrival of the latest unit, 99010, at Avonmouth docks in Bristol, further signifies the progress being made towards full deployment of this innovative locomotive class.
As the UK rail freight sector continues to evolve, the Class 99 locomotives are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by discontinuous electrification and the need for cleaner, more efficient freight transport solutions. The successful trials not only validate the operational flexibility of the Class 99s but also highlight their potential to support a more sustainable logistics framework across the UK.
