First two Class 99s arrived in the UK

The first two Class 99 locomotives have arrived at the Port of Bristol, representing a significant step forward in the project to deliver a fleet of 30 bi-mode Co’Co’ locomotives to clients Beacon Rail and GB Railfreight.

The locomotives will be taken to Leicester, where they will be maintained by Stadler Rail Services. There they will undergo a rigorous programme of testing and commissioning before entering commercial service by the end of 2025. The rest of the fleet will begin arriving in the UK in late 2025 and continue throughout 2026.

The Class 99 can operate on a 25 kV 50 Hz electrified network, has a power of 6,000 kW at the wheel and features a high-power low-emissions Stage-V engine. With an impressive tractive effort of 500 kN, it can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. The cabs have centrally positioned seats, which in combination with the huge front window ensure excellent visibility. State-of-the-art cameras provide direct views of pantographs, shunting zones and the area in front of the locomotive. The two protection systems required on British networks, AWS and TPWS have been fitted; ETCS will soon be installed.