GB Railfreight brings hardy ‘Yeoman Highlander’ back to the UK

GB Railfreight today (19 August) formally confirmed the purchase of the locomotive 59 003, named ‘Yeoman Highlander’, from German-based Heavy Haul Power International (HHPI). 

This will be the first Class 59 to join the GBRf fleet, exemplifying the company’s intention to build its presence in both the aggregates and bulk materials freight markets. 

The 59 003 has heavy haul capability and can be subsequently used to shift anything from stone aggregate to oil tankers. Given this power, it will be used on flows across the UK where it is deemed useful and appropriate. 
This once again affirms the company’s commitment to not only growing UK rail freight, but also boosting the supply chain across the various sectors. British companies will now be able to benefit from a locomotive that has successfully hauled coal trains in Germany for the last 15-20 years.

The contract states that the 59 003 will be delivered to the UK at the end of August 2014, ready to put into traffic by December 2014. 

John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the ‘Yeoman Highlander’ back to the UK. The extra power it provides will be of a prime importance for our work in the aggregates market and will allow us to further expand our business in other areas. This will be the first Class 59 to join our fleet, and from December, we hope to have it working on flows across the UK.”