GB Railfreight formally unveiled its Stadler Valencia electro-diesel locomotives at its Peterborough headquarters in the UK on July 17, having displayed one at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin. Entry into service is planned for this winter. GBRf CEO John Smith said the Class 99 locos leased from Beacon Rail ‘set a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in UK rail freight. With hybrid capability, these locomotives provide the resilience and flexibility our customers need to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s standards while supporting the UK’s drive towards net zero.’
On July 16 Semafor reported that Union Pacific was working with investment bankers at Morgan Stanley to explore an acquisition of an unspecified other major railway company. Subsequent reports suggested the target was Norfolk Southern Corp.
DP World, India’s Deendayal Port Authority and Nevomo have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities for a pilot project using Nevomo’s MagRail proprietary linear motor technology for the self-propelled movement of freight on existing tracks within a live port environment.
Imanol Leza became Director General of RENFE Mercancías on July 16, succeeding Moisés Mata who had held the role on caretaker basis since replacing Joaquín del Moral in February. RENFE Mercancías hopes to complete the deal to appoint Medway as a strategic business partner by the end of 2025, having selected the MSC-owned business in 2023.
Israeli logistics company Gold Bond is to develop a rail link from its Haifa terminal at a cost of US$3·6m. The terminal will be built and maintained by Israel Railways by the end of 2027.
The first stage of the Tbilisi dry port terminal was inaugurated during June, with three 600 m tracks and two shunting locomotives. The facility is owned by AD Ports Group and Wilhelmsen, and will initially handle up to 96 000 TEU/year, with expansion to 200 000 TEU planned.
ADIF has awarded Agrupación Guinovart Obras & Servicios Hispania a €93·9m contract for loading gauge enhancements to enable the transport of semitrailers by rail between Bobadilla, Ronda and Algeciras and between San Fernando de Henares and Santa María de Huerta on the Madrid to Zaragoza main line.
