GB Railfreight has welcomed two of its new Class 99 locomotives into the UK, marking a major milestone in the project to bring 30 bi-mode Co-Co locomotives to the mainline.
The locomotives arrived in the UK at the Port of Bristol and will soon be taken to Leicester depot.
The locomotives will then undergo testing and driving training before entering service by the end of 2025.
The rest of the fleet will begin arriving in the UK in late 2025 and continue throughout 2026.

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said: “The arrival of the first two Class 99s in the country that will become their home represents a critical milestone in a project that will deliver a host of benefits to the UK economy. These vehicles will take freight transport to the next level, making the rail industry greener and heightening efficiency overall.”
John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight, said: “The new locomotives will enable businesses to transport their freight more efficiently. With both renewable fuels and electric capability, our Class 99s are built for a changing network and to meet the evolving demands of our customers.”
Responses
Yet another example of the UK importing something that we should be making ourselves.
Yes, well if we made it in the UK, it wouldn’t be here for another 5 years…