The First of It's Kind
Freightliner Group Ltd and GE Transportation have today launched images of the new 'PowerHaul(tm)' locomotive being developed for the UK market at the InnoTrans show in Berlin. 30 of these locomotives where ordered by Freightliner last year and the first are due to be delivered in late 2009. GE unveiled a PowerHaul(tm) engine and model of the locomotive at the show.
"The project is on track to deliver increased hauling capacity and a significant improvement in fuel economy and we are extremely pleased with the development to date of these locomotives," commented Tim Shakerley, Engineering Director, Freightliner Group Ltd.
Freightliner is the launch customer and has helped to shape the specification of features for the new locomotive in partnership with GE.
The design is configured to minimise carbon emissions per tonne moved through the application of new technology engines and control systems, as well as meeting the latest, and future standards for structural design and protection in the event of a crash.
Added Shakerley: "The new locomotive will enable us to haul greater payloads and increase our fuel efficiencies, improving our carbon footprint and service offering to our customers.
"Packaging all of the new technology including AC traction, dynamic brake, air conditioned cabs, into a locomotive that is compliant to UK clearance gauge and axle weight has been a challenge, but the design team has been uncompromising in delivering these objectives with a delivery date towards the end of 2009.
"Freightliner is committed to increasing the amount of freight by rail, currently removing up 70 lorries of the UK roads with each Intermodal service we operate. The introduction of these locomotives will enable us to remove even more vehicles from the UK's already congested roads. This is the largest order of locomotives that Freightliner has made to date, which demonstrates its ongoing commitment to investment within the rail freight industry. Locomotives are a 30 year asset and development of new technology is essential to continue to support the increasing demand for Freightliner's efficient, reliable and innovative rail freight services, whilst at the same time improving the environmental impact of freight transport."
The GE locos will complement Freightliner's existing fleet of more than 160 locos and 3000 wagons. They have not been assigned to a particular Freightliner business at this time, but will be used to increase tonnages hauled on specific routes where there are capacity constraints.
Further information on the project:
Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd
3rd Floor, The Podium
1, Eversholt Street
London
NW1 2FL
UK
T: + 44 (0) 7739 823448
F: + 44 (0) 207 200 3975