UK’s largest maritime container haulier adds GE's PowerHaul locomotives

Former British Rail arm, Freightliner, which was privatised in 1996 has officially launched the first PowerHaul locomotives at a ceremony held at Freightliner's depot near Leeds, UK, introducing state-of-the-art technology from GE Transportation to the UK's rail freight market.

Freightliner Limited is the UK's largest haulier of maritime containers, accounting for 20 per cent of the total market share, and 83 per cent of the rail-fed market. It provides trunk rail services between key ports and inland rail freight interchanges within the UK, supplemented with local road services, to move customers' containers on the first or last leg of a worldwide journey.

Representing GE Transportation's entry to the UK and European marketplace, the PowerHaul locomotives were manufactured in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, where comprehensive testing was completed. The PowerHaul locomotives will join Freightliner's existing fleet of more than 160 locomotives.

''PowerHaul is a more business-efficient locomotive, hauling more freight and providing more power at the rail-head, it will enable a better use of the rail network whilst lowering Freightliner's carbon footprint'' said Peter Maybury, CEO, Freightliner Group Limited at the ceremony. ''PowerHaul would not have been possible without the excellent partnership Freightliner and GE have formed and the dedication of all the team over the last two years.''

The 129-ton PowerHaul locomotive is designed to generate more horsepower and tractive effort while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than locomotives currently in use.

The locomotive features the new V16- cylinder, twin-turbo PowerHaul engine -- a product of a GE-wide initiative, ecomagination, to meet customer demand for more energy-efficient products.