At a recent ceremony at Ipswich station, GB Railfreight Class 66 locomotive No. 66307 was named Ipswich Town.
The nameplate was unveiled by GB Railfreight Chief Executive, John Smith, Mediterranean Shipping Company's (MSC) Managing Director, Dan Everitt and Ipswich Town's Chairman, Mike O'Leary and Chief Executive, Mark Ashton. Also present at the unveiling was Ipswich club legend and former manager George Burley.
Ipswich Town continues GB Railfreight's theme of naming its locomotives after football clubs, with No. 66725 Sunderland to reflect the fanatical support of its Chief Executive, John Smith, and No. 66738 Huddersfield Town which was named in 2017 by Huddersfield fan, train enthusiast, and Star Trek legend Sir Patrick Stewart.
Football fans and train enthusiasts will now be able to watch out for Ipswich Town across the network in the coming months, hauling a wide range of goods, including construction materials, fuel, and many items found in shops across the country. GB Railfreight acquired the locomotive in 2023 from Akiem in mainland Europe, and is currently undertaking its final modifications after being converted for service on the UK's rail network.
John Smith, Chief Executive – GB Railfreight, said: “We're delighted to be naming a locomotive Ipswich Town. Not only does it extend GB Railfreight's tradition of naming locomotives after football clubs, it also acknowledges that the Port of Felixstowe and East Anglia have been central to our success.
“In that time, we've developed a strong relationship with MSC, that will continue to thrive as we seek to grow the business further, driving jobs and growth across the region.”
Danny Everitt, Managing Director – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), said: “Our relationship with GB Railfreight has always been special, spanning over 22 years from when we established our very first contract train from the Port of Felixstowe. This partnership has grown from strength to strength and together with Ipswich Town, we can continue to support our customers nationwide whilst reducing Co2 from the supply chain.”
Mark Ashdown, CEO – Ipswich Town Football Club, said: “We are honoured GB Railfreight have named a locomotive after Ipswich Town Football Club.
“To know a locomotive will be transporting the Club's name around the country, alongside valued partner MSC, is something we can all take a great deal of pride in.”
