NEWPORT, Wales — Freightliner Group Ltd. and GE Transportation said that Freightliner have taken delivery of the first PowerHaul locomotives – introducing state-of-the-art technology to the UK’s rail freight market.
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 locomotives were shipped from Virginia on 23 October.
Providing greater hauling capacity and significant improvements in fuel economy, the PowerHaul locomotives will now undergo commissioning before entering service and complementing Freightliner’s existing fleet of more than 160 locomotives.
During an unveiling ceremony at Newport Docks, Tim Shakerley, Engineering Director, Freightliner Group Ltd said: “I am extremely proud to see the first two PowerHaul locomotives arrive in the UK. This product is a culmination of two years of hard work and partnership with GE, in order to produce a locomotive that will increase our haulage capabilities and bring further reduction to our carbon emissions.”
“We are excited today with the arrival of the first PowerHaul locomotives as this represents GE Transportation’s entry to the UK and European market place,” Brett BeGole, General Manager of Global Locomotive Operations for GE Transportation said. “The PowerHaul Series is GE’s most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and low-emissions diesel-electric freight locomotive to date.”
