Freightliner and The Malcolm Group have led a ground-breaking Class 93 trial from Daventry to Grangemouth and Mossend.
This is the first freight movement of intermodal containers using a Class 93 locomotive to take place on the rail network. The Freightliner train was around 775 meters long and carrying around 1,000t of goods with a total train weight of circa 1,700t.
Michael Leadbetter, Intermodal Operations Director at Freightliner said:
“We are proud to be leading the way when it comes to moving goods sustainably by rail. At Freightliner, we are always looking at new innovative ways to make rail even more sustainable for our customers and their supply chains – so this Class 93 trial is exciting for the future. From testing and trailing new technology to sourcing alternative fuels – we’re driven by powering a greener future for rail and logistics.”
Brian Ferguson, General Manager at Rail Operations Assets Ltd said:
“Great to see the Class 93 entering a live service within the Working Timetable. Operating in collaboration with Freightliner and The Malcolm Group, this marks another major step in demonstrating how hybrid technology can deliver enhanced operational performance while supporting the industry’s drive toward net-zero emissions.”
Andrew Sumner, Rail Director of The Malcolm Group, commented:
“We are really pleased to be working with Freightliner to trial a new hybrid locomotive on our services between the West Midlands and Scotland. Earlier this year we made the decision to switch our Anglo-Scottish intermodal services to electric traction, significantly reducing carbon emissions for our customers. However, the current operation still requires a diesel locomotive to shunt the trains at the terminals. The potential of a hybrid locomotive removes this requirement, offering further environmental and performance benefits. We look forward to reviewing the outputs of the trial in order to help us work with Freightliner to help shape our future rail strategy.”
