Table of contents
Topic of the week:
GB Railfreight (GBRf) has made a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint with the acquisition of four new electric Class 18 hybrid+ shunt locomotives. This move is part of the company's broader decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce emissions in the UK's supply chains.
The new locomotives, manufactured by Clayton Equipment Ltd, will be based across GBRf's sites and will support supply chain operations (SCO) services for Network Rail. These services are crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of materials and components that keep the railway operational.
The Class 18s are designed to be environmentally friendly, with an onboard battery that can be charged through a three-phase electric supply or via a regenerative braking system. Additionally, the locomotives are self-contained, featuring an onboard diesel engine that meets EU Stage V emissions standards.
GB Railfreight's latest development is part of its comprehensive decarbonisation plan, which includes a range of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. This plan includes ordering 30 brand new hybrid Class 99 locomotives, set to enter service in 2025, transitioning all sites to use energy sourced only from renewable sources, introducing an electric vehicle incentivisation scheme for staff, and switching the company's van fleet to electric vehicles at the end of the current leasing agreement. These initiatives demonstrate GBRf's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable freight industry.
As the company continues to invest in innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we can expect to see a significant reduction in its carbon emissions. For freight operators and customers, this development is a positive step towards a more environmentally friendly supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more companies following GBRf's lead and prioritising decarbonisation.
GBRf has acquired four new electric Class 18 hybrid+ shunt locomotives to support supply chain operations services for Network Rail. The locomotives are part of the company's decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce emissions in the UK's supply chains. GBRf is investing in a range of initiatives, including new hybrid locomotives, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and more.
As the freight industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more companies prioritising decarbonisation and investing in sustainable practices. GBRf's initiatives will likely set a precedent for other freight operators, driving a shift towards a more environmentally friendly supply chain. The acquisition of the Class 18s is just the beginning of GBRf's decarbonisation journey, and we can expect to see further developments in the coming months and years.
Sea:
- Over the last two weeks China/East Asia to North America West Coast spot rates have increased by 10.1% from $6,459/FEU to $7,115/FEU according to Freightos data.
- China/East Asia to North America East Coast spot rates have risen over the last two weeks, increasing by 2.3% to $9,698/FEU.
- Global container spot prices have risen over the last two weeks, and are now sitting at $5,551/FEU, a 9.9% increase over the last two weeks and a 263% increase from spot rates this time in 2023 according to the Freightos Baltic Index (FBX)
Air:
- Global Air Freight spot rates currently sit at $2.69, as rates continue to fluctuate according to the Freightos Air Freight Index (FAX)
- Europe to Northern America spot rates currently sit at $1.66 (100-3000kg), says FAX, increasing by 0.6%
- Europe to Asia, Greater China spot rates currently sit at $1.22(100-3000kg), says FAX, decreasing by 0.81%
That’s all for this week’s update…
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