GB Railfreight's Class 99 intermodal service trial
posted on 19th Jun 2026 09:31
GB Railfreight, in collaboration with Maritime Transport and DP World, has marked a significant milestone in the introduction of its new Class 99 locomotive fleet, as testing progressed to the next stage on 17 June 2026, with an intermodal service successfully operating between DP World’s London Gateway and Maritime’s Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal.
The successful operation represents one of the final stages in the testing and commissioning programme ahead of full commercial operations for the Class 99 fleet, which are due to commence in July.
The trial saw one of GBRf’s new locomotives hauling a live intermodal service along a key strategic freight corridor, demonstrating the Class 99’s capability in real operating conditions. The new fleet represents a major step forward for UK rail freight, combining electric and diesel capability to make the cleanest and safest way of moving goods around the country even cleaner and safer.
By successfully operating between London Gateway and Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal, the trial underlines both the operational flexibility of the Class 99s and their role in supporting more sustainable, resilient, and productive intermodal logistics across the UK. This trial comes in the same week that the newest member of the Class 99 fleet, locomotive 99010, arrived at Avonmouth, further strengthening the fleet ahead of entry into service.
John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said: “This is one of the final milestones before the Class 99s enter full commercial service, and it is fantastic to see an intermodal train hauled by one of these new locomotives on the network. The Class 99 represents a real step change for our industry, building on rail’s position as the cleanest and most productive way to move goods around the country. After a successful trial, we are ready to deliver a new era for rail freight in Britain.”
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