The Port of Felixstowe has become the first UK port to introduce Class 99 hybrid locomotives, boosting capacity and cutting emissions. Operated by GB Railfreight, locomotives 99001 and 99002 made their inaugural test call on 15 February 2026. As the UK's largest intermodal hub, Felixstowe handles more daily rail services and offers more sustainable supply chain solutions than any other UK port.
The Class 99 locomotives can operate on both electrified and non-electrified routes. This hybrid design cuts emissions by over 50 per cent. The advantage of the design overcomes the fact that part of the UK's rail network has not yet been electrified and enables seamless movement along the north-south logistics corridor. The locomotives support the shift toward lower-carbon logistics and reinforce Felixstowe's role in enabling greener, more efficient supply chains.
The Class 99 locomotives form part of a broader industry push to decarbonise rail freight. They offer ports and intermodal operators the opportunity to take immediate steps toward decarbonisation without waiting for long-term electrification investments. Felixstowe had previously received the first two of 34 autonomous trucks and is accelerating its technology investments. GB Railfreight plans to expand the Class 99 fleet with additional units soon.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Port of Felixstowe became the first UK port to introduce Class 99 hybrid locomotives.
2. Operated by GB Railfreight, locomotives 99001 and 99002 made their test call on 15 February 2026.
3. Class 99 has a hybrid design that can operate on both electrified and non-electrified routes.
4. The hybrid design cuts emissions by over 50 per cent.
5. Felixstowe is the UK's largest intermodal hub and handles the most daily rail services.
