The Port of Felixstowe has welcomed the first call of a new ‘PowerHaul’ locomotive, operated by Freightliner.

The new locomotive provides increased payload and enhanced fuel economy, and will run as part of the Freightliner service to Birmingham, one of 28 daily services from the port to 13 separate inland terminals.

David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, which owns the Port of Felixstowe commented:

“The new technology and capabilities of this loco will enable the running of longer trains, permitting more freight than ever before to be efficiently moved via rail. We are committed to optimising environmentally friendly rail transport opportunities for our customers; improving freight capacity on the rail network whilst maintaining the high standards that they expect.”

The PowerHaul locomotive has a top speed of 75mph, and weighs in at 125 metric tons. With features including dynamic breaks, and a built-in auxiliary power unit reducing power consumption, the locomotive emits less carbon per gross-tonne mile than electric locomotives, and more than 10 tonnes less than its road equivalent.

News article courtesy of Port of Felixstowe