GB Railfreight uses new electric shunters

On 9 August 2024, GB Railfreight has acquired four new electric Class 18 hybrid+ shunting locomotives to its growing fleet. They will be based across GBRf’s sites and will be used to support supply chain operations (SCO) services for Network Rail. These services ensure that the materials and components that keep the railway safe and operational, are where they should be, when they need to be. Ensuring that all rail users, whether passenger or freight are able to utilise a safe and efficient railway.

As a part of GBRf’s decarbonisation strategy, the Class 18s are one of a number of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the UK’s supply chains. Other initiatives include GBRf ordering 30 brand new hybrid Class 99 locomotives that will enter service in 2025; moving all sites to use energy sourced only from renewable source; an electric vehicle incentivisation scheme for staff and switching their van fleet to electric vehicles at the end of the current leasing agreement.

The Class 18s were manufactured by Clayton Equipment Ltd and are powered by an onboard battery, with charging through a three-phase electric supply or via a regenerative braking system. The Bo'Bo' locomotive is also self-contained, with an onboard diesel engine which meets EU Stage V emissions standards.