DB Cargo to Maintain GB Railfreight Class 60 Locomotives

DB Cargo UK has agreed a deal with GB Railfreight (GBRf) to maintain its Class 60 locomotives.

DB Cargo UK will maintain all ten Class 60 locomotives for GBRf for a period of three years and provide technical support in the field.

GB Railfreight wishes to improve the performance of its locomotives and have access to engineering support when needed.

The contract sets out key performance indicators that DB Cargo UK will use to guide its on-going maintenance activities. These should result in improving the reliability of the Class 60 locomotives.

GB Railfreight Class 60 locomotive

Class 60 Locomotives

The (British) Class 60 locomotives are heavy freight diesel-electric locomotives capable of hauling longer trains. This is beneficial from an environmental perspective, as longer trains are more efficient. The GB Railfreight locomotives will primarily transport biomass to power stations.

John Smith, Managing Director, GB Railfreight, said:
I am thrilled to be unveiling this new partnership with DB Cargo UK. At this time of economic uncertainty, it is important for the rail freight sector to work together to deliver investment to support its growth.

Most importantly, the economic recovery needs to be green and sustainable and by maintaining these locos we will ensure fewer carbon emissions in the long run. I am pleased that rail freight is playing its part in the economic recovery driven by environmentally sustainable investment.

Of the 100 Class 60 locomotives manufactured – with 99 still in service – the vast majority belong to DB Cargo UK (81 units), while GB Railfreight owns the second-largest Class 60 fleet (10 units), having acquired them from Colas Rail.

Hans-Georg Werner, CEO, DB Cargo UK, said:
We are delighted to be working in partnership with our colleagues at GB Railfreight providing high quality maintenance services for their Class 60 locomotives. At DB Cargo UK we pride ourselves on the quality of our engineering, with our key focus being on cost-effective locomotive availability and reliability.