GB Railfreight is preparing to sell several diesel locomotives from its fleet, including its Class 60s, selected Class 47s and several shunting engines, as it accelerates a wider transition toward modern, lower-carbon traction and data-driven operations.
Details of the locomotives will be published shortly via the company’s website, with inspections planned in the coming weeks and an auction scheduled for March. “We are about to market several locomotives at GB Railfreight,” the company said. “These will include our Class 60 fleet, [locomotive number] 59003, Class 47s and some shunt engines.” GBRf has also indicated that it is open to short-term hire discussions ahead of the sale.
Diesel traction heads to the market
Among the most significant assets being offered are GBRf’s ten Class 60 locomotives – the last heavy freight locomotives designed and built in the UK, delivered to British Rail in the early 1990s. Long associated with bulk and heavy haul flows, the Class 60s have played a central role in UK rail freight for more than three decades.
The sale also includes three British-built Class 47s, part of a class of more than 500 locomotives constructed in the 1960s and still seen in daily service, alongside some shunting locomotives used for operational and support duties. Together, the offering is expected to attract interest from industrial operators, leasing companies and the heritage sector.
A shift toward modern, bimodal power
The disposal of older diesel traction comes as GBRf advances its fleet modernisation strategy, most visibly through the introduction of the new Class 99 locomotive. Based on Stadler’s Eurodual platform, the bimodal design allows the locomotive to operate on both electrified 25 kV AC routes and non-electrified lines, reducing reliance on diesel power where overhead wires are available.
The Class 99 delivers 6,000 kW at the wheel, offers a tractive effort of 500 kN and is capable of speeds up to 120 km/h. Fitted with a high-power, low-emissions Stage V engine, the design is intended to support decarbonisation while maintaining the performance required for heavy freight operations. A batch of ten examples is currently under delivery, with options for more in future.
Financial backing for long-term growth
The traction changes are underpinned by a major refinancing package aimed at supporting future investment. Infracapital, the infrastructure private equity arm of M&G, has agreed a £218 million (255 million euros) financing deal for GBRf, refinancing existing facilities and renewing capital expenditure funding.
The package includes a £143 million (167 million euros) ten-year private placement from PGIM (an American-based investment house) alongside £75 million (88 million euros) in facilities from HSBC UK. The refinancing is intended to provide long-term financial stability while enabling continued investment in locomotives, infrastructure and technology.
High-tech maintenance and new jobs
Alongside fleet revival and finance renewal, GBRf has also upgraded its maintenance regime through a new ten-year agreement with Wabtec UK. The deal introduces Wabtec’s KinetiX laser-guided inspection technology at the operator’s Peterborough operational headquarters and maintenance hub. GBRf say it’s a first for UK rail freight.
KinetiX captures up to 20,000 images per second, enabling faster and more accurate inspections of wagons and improving reliability across GBRf’s 585-strong FEA wagon fleet. The expanded maintenance activity and new technology are expected to create twelve additional roles, reinforcing the company’s focus on skills and workforce development.
Despite moves toward cleaner and more flexible traction. The Class 60s and Class 47s continue to hold value for specific operational niches and preservation. The latter still represents the most numerous and widely adopted diesel unit ever on the British network. GBRf’s investment in Class 99 locomotives, advanced maintenance systems and long-term financing highlights a forward-looking strategy, based on decarbonisation, resilience and reliability. The older marques put up for auction have all played an extended role in achieving.