Freightliner Group Ltd has placed an order for 30 freight locomotives of a new design giving even greater hauling capacity and a significant improvement in fuel economy than currently seen on the UK network. Project Genesis, which is being developed in partnership with General Electric (GE), will bring new technology to the UK rail freight market, enabling Freightliner to move longer and heavier trains whilst reducing CO2 emissions per tonne moved.
This development comes at a time when the Government is making large investments in the rail network and Freightliner must continue to mirror this to meet the rising demand for delivery of products throughout the UK. The tonnages moved have been increasing each year.
This substantial investment, the largest loco order ever placed by Freightliner Group, fits perfectly with the DfT’s recently published strategy document ‘Towards a sustainable future’ which sets out the transport system's role in supporting continued economic growth and making a key contribution to the Government aim of a 60% CO2 emissions reduction by 2050, The new locomotives enable both economic growth and lower emissions.
The diesel locomotives will have an array of new features, including AC traction technology and dynamic brake which helps to generate 10% fuel efficiency when compared to previous diesel locos. In addition the cabs will bring new standards of comfort to freight train drivers, with air-conditioning as standard. Freightliner have kept their recognised Trade Unions involved (including RMT and ASLEF) and will involve groups of drivers for input into the design and build of the cab.
Eddie Fitzsimons, Chief Executive, Freightliner Group Ltd commented;
“We are extremely excited about Project Genesis. Not only will we improve our carbon footprint but will be able to move more payload per train than ever before. We have been in discussions with GE over recent months to develop what will be the epitome of 21st century locos on the UK network, bringing revolutionary technology the to rail freight market.”
Robert Parisi, General Manager of International Locomotives and Modernizations, GE – Transportation said;
“We are pleased to enter the UK market for the first time and introduce our advanced locomotive product. It’s exciting to provide solutions to our customer’s needs.”
Tim Shakerley, Engineering Director, Freightliner Group Ltd added;
“We recognise that a locomotive is a 30 year asset and therefore development of new technology is important to ensure the locomotive is up to date and relevant for its design life. Packaging this technology into a locomotive compliant to the UK clearance gauge and axle weight is a tremendous challenge but we are confident that GE can achieve this.”
For more information and a fact sheet please contact:
Philippa Brooks brooksp@freightliner.co.uk +44 (0)207 200 3900
Stephan Koller stephan.koller@ge.com +1 814.431.3150