GBRf and Porterbrook partner to build 100 intermodal twin wagons

Credit: GB Railfreight

Following an extended commercial exercise, GB Railfreight (GBRf) has chosen to partner with British rolling stock company, Porterbrook, for the build of 100 Greenbrier 60’ intermodal twins. The contract will initially operate on 10-year dry lease and marks another step towards the promotion of sustainable and low-carbon freight transport.

The partnership will manage the production of wagons by Greenbrier, a renowned railcar manufacturer, which will see the first batch rolling off the production line in August 2022. The manufacturing process is scheduled to supply 10 intermodal twin wagons per month, meaning that the total of 100 vehicles are expected to be operational in the UK by summer 2023.

John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said: “I am delighted to be partnering again with Porterbrook, a company at the heart of the UK’s rail network, on this exciting project. At GBRf, we always look to work with leading companies in the transport sphere, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Porterbrook. By working together, we are proving that our sector continues to combine innovation and resilience, which will be vital as we move towards more sustainable modes of transport. We are also thrilled to be able to work with an innovative manufacturer such as Greenbrier, and see this as a continuation of an excellent long-standing relationship”.

Mary Grant, Porterbrook’s CEO, said: “We are very pleased that GBRf have chosen Porterbrook to support their ambitious intermodal expansion plans. This builds on our 15 year relationship with a truly innovative company. Today’s announcement also signifies a renewed commitment by Porterbrook to investing in rail freight, which has a key role to play in reducing long distance lorry movements and supporting the Green Recovery.”