New Era for Rail: GB Railfreight Unveils £150 Million Hybrid Locomotive Lineup

Image Credit: GB Railfreight

A new generation of hybrid locomotives is rolling onto Britain’s tracks, designed to run on both electricity and renewable fuels. These engines are expected to cut emissions by more than half on a typical journey. It's a significant step forward in the effort to decarbonise rail freight and reshape how goods move across the country.

The Class 99 locomotive, officially unveiled this week at GB Railfreight’s Peterborough hub, marks a significant milestone for the UK’s freight industry. Backed by a £150 million investment from GBRf and Infracapital, part of M&G Plc, the launch brings together innovation, climate action, and economic opportunity in one powerful package.

These locomotives aren’t just about clean energy, they’re engineered for performance. With the ability to operate on electric lines where available and switch to renewable fuels when needed, the Class 99s are designed to deliver goods faster and more reliably, while dramatically reducing their carbon footprint.

Rail freight already plays a massive role in the UK’s green economy. It contributes £2.5 billion annually and helps ease the strain on road infrastructure. Each freight train can remove up to 129 heavy goods vehicles from the road, reducing congestion and emissions while improving safety.

Support from policymakers has been vocal. The Minister of State attended the launch event for Rail, Lord Hendry of Richmond Hill, who emphasised the locomotive’s potential to push forward national decarbonisation goals. “Major private sector investments like this £150M commitment to revolutionary Class 99 trains demonstrate the confidence the rail freight industry has in its future under this Government.

“With robust protections for fair network access and ambitious growth targets a part of our plans for Great British Railways, we’re ensuring the rail freight sector has what it needs to thrive so it can continue removing thousands of HGVs from our roads whilst delivering huge economic benefits across the country.“

GB Railfreight operates a diverse portfolio of cargo routes across the UK. From construction materials and heating fuel to clothing, household appliances, and even wine, the company keeps supply chains moving.

The new locomotives, built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler in Valencia, will be key to transporting these goods more sustainably and efficiently.

CEO John Smith OBE is optimistic about the broader impact. He believes the Class 99s will help the UK transition to a more resilient and future-focused freight network.

The fleet has a key role to play in driving the UK economy, says John Smith OBE, CEO of GBRf: “The Class 99 locomotives set a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in UK rail freight. With hybrid capability, these locomotives provide the resilience and flexibility our customers need to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s standards while supporting the UK’s drive towards net zero.”

Rail is an attractive proposition for manufacturers, adds Ben Fletcher,

Chief Operating Officer of Make UK: “A modern and efficient rail network is the hallmark of an advanced economy and will be crucial to boosting growth whilst, at the same time, helping accelerate decarbonisation and a substantial reduction in road transport emissions.

“Manufacturers are keen to make greater use of rail logistics, and new freight technologies such as the Class 99 will make a critical contribution to a cleaner, faster and more efficient supply chain movement.”

Beyond cutting emissions, the trains are also expected to boost productivity and support regional economies. Around 90 per cent of rail freight’s economic benefits are felt outside London and the South East, underscoring the role it plays in nationwide growth.

The new fleet isn’t just good for business or the planet, it’s a win on every front. With fewer trucks on the roads, communities benefit from cleaner air, quieter streets, and safer travel. Once testing is complete, the locomotives are expected to enter commercial service this winter.

Here’s a closer look at what makes the Class 99 stand out:

• Hybrid propulsion that allows seamless transition between electric and renewable fuel power sources

• Enhanced acceleration and performance to increase delivery speeds and minimise operational delays

• A clear focus on sustainability, helping businesses meet their emissions targets and environmental commitments

It is all about innovating for transport tomorrow, sustainably and successfully, concludes John Smith: “With the Class 99, we’re not just keeping pace with a changing network – we’re shaping its future. This is the cleanest, greenest, and fastest way yet to move freight by rail in the UK.”

Founded in 1999 and now employing over 1,400 people, GB Railfreight has established itself as one of the fastest-growing players in the sector. And with the Class 99 leading the charge, the future of freight in the UK looks cleaner, faster, and more sustainable than ever.