Latest news with #locomotives
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hybrid locomotives aim to halve freight emissions
New locomotives that run on electricity and renewable fuels could reduce rail freight emissions by more than half on a typical journey. A £150m investment was made into Class 99 locomotives, which were unveiled in Peterborough at GB Railfreight (GBRf) headquarters on Thursday. Once testing was complete, the new fleet could enter commercial service to move consumable goods and materials across the country this winter. Andrew Pakes, the MP for Peterborough, said it was a "game changer for our city and the national effort to build a greener, more sustainable future". The Class 99s run on electric lines where available and switch to renewable fuels elsewhere. They aimed to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and ensure goods arrived at their destinations sooner. John Smith, CEO of GBRf, said the locomotives "set a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in UK rail freight". "It's massive," he said. "This is seven years in the making from the point of having the idea to replace our existing diesel trains with this bi-mode locomotive, to ordering them, to financing them, to them actually being built and delivered to the UK." Mr Smith hoped the decarbonising locomotives would help grow rail freight in the UK as it was "far less carbon emitting than road transport". Transports from GBRf included materials for house building, aviation fuel to airports, clothes, white goods, wine and materials used to heat homes. Jon Garner, senior operation training manager, told the BBC it was "a real pleasure" to drive and "fantastic for our office and the community". "I've spent about nine months talking about the locomotives and looking at them when we visited Stadler in Valencia. They're our babies." Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said he looked forward to seeing the locomotives decarbonising the rail network. He said: "With robust protections for fair network access and ambitious growth targets a part of our plans for Great British Railways, we're ensuring the rail freight sector has what it needs to thrive so it can continue removing thousands of HGVs from our roads whilst delivering huge economic benefits across the country." The new locomotives had hybrid power, faster acceleration, reduced downtime, and increased productivity. Pakes added the investment would not only help cut emissions, but also create local jobs and drive economic growth. "Peterborough is proud to be at the forefront of Britain's rail freight innovation," he said. "I am proud to see our city playing such a key role in shaping the future of rail freight." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More like this story Minister opens city's £5.75m rail maintenance hub Rail boss 'surprised and thrilled' at OBE award Related internet links GB Railfreight
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Peterborough hybrid locomotives aim to halve freight emissions
New locomotives that run on electricity and renewable fuels could reduce rail freight emissions by more than half on a typical journey.A £150m investment was made into Class 99 locomotives, which were unveiled in Peterborough at GB Railfreight (GBRf) headquarters on testing was complete, the new fleet could enter commercial service to move consumable goods and materials across the country this winter. Andrew Pakes, the MP for Peterborough, said it was a "game changer for our city and the national effort to build a greener, more sustainable future". The Class 99s run on electric lines where available and switch to renewable fuels aimed to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and ensure goods arrived at their destinations Smith, CEO of GBRf, said the locomotives "set a new benchmark for performance and sustainability in UK rail freight". "It's massive," he said. "This is seven years in the making from the point of having the idea to replace our existing diesel trains with this bi-mode locomotive, to ordering them, to financing them, to them actually being built and delivered to the UK."Mr Smith hoped the decarbonising locomotives would help grow rail freight in the UK as it was "far less carbon emitting than road transport". Transports from GBRf included materials for house building, aviation fuel to airports, clothes, white goods, wine and materials used to heat Garner, senior operation training manager, told the BBC it was "a real pleasure" to drive and "fantastic for our office and the community". "I've spent about nine months talking about the locomotives and looking at them when we visited Stadler in Valencia. They're our babies." Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said he looked forward to seeing the locomotives decarbonising the rail said: "With robust protections for fair network access and ambitious growth targets a part of our plans for Great British Railways, we're ensuring the rail freight sector has what it needs to thrive so it can continue removing thousands of HGVs from our roads whilst delivering huge economic benefits across the country."The new locomotives had hybrid power, faster acceleration, reduced downtime, and increased added the investment would not only help cut emissions, but also create local jobs and drive economic growth. "Peterborough is proud to be at the forefront of Britain's rail freight innovation," he said."I am proud to see our city playing such a key role in shaping the future of rail freight." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
ABC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Applications open for 300 new train manufacturing jobs on the Fraser Coast
Manufacturing powerhouse Downer has started recruiting workers to deliver the next generation of Queensland's trains, but employees facing redundancies at the company's nearby site have been told there is no guarantee they will secure a position. The factory being constructed at Torbanlea on the Fraser Coast is expected to produce 65 locomotives between 2027 and 2032, in time for the Brisbane Olympic Games. The state government selected Downer to build the new fleet and today the company opened applications for 300 jobs. But more than 120 Downer employees facing an uncertain future have been told they cannot count on their applications being successful. The workers from the company's nearby Maryborough facility were warned of possible redundancies in May due to a "drop in expected work volume". Later that month Manufacturing Minister Dale Last said the workers facing job losses would be prioritised for employment at the new Torbanlea site. But on Tuesday he said those workers had been informed about the new jobs "a couple of weeks ago" but would have to "go through the same selection process as everyone else does". Mr Last could not confirm whether the Maryborough employees had yet faced job cuts. "The jobs at the Maryborough Service Delivery Centre were the subject of a private contract between Downer and industry, but having said that, those affected workers have been given a couple of weeks to apply and express their interest for these [Torbanlea] jobs going forward." Mr Last said interviews for the jobs would take place this year and that successful applicants would to start work early next year. The jobs on offer at the new site include 200 trade roles, including mechanical and electrical trades, fabricators and test technicians, as well as 100 white-collar roles. Downer had been encouraged to complete the recruitment process as soon as possible, to minimise the time that any staff affected by the job cuts would be out of work. "Certainly that's a message that we've been portraying to Downer, that time is of the essence," Mr Last said. "If they can reduce that time-frame between their job loss at Maryborough and the commencement of their employment [at Torbanlea], then that would certainly be helpful for everyone." Downer did not comment on the status of jobs at its Maryborough facility but a spokesperson said in a statement that the group welcomed the state government's assistance with the recruitment drive. "Downer and the Queensland government are committed to supporting the local industry and communities through the delivery of this state-shaping project," the statement said. ALP shadow minister for manufacturing Tom Smith said the 300 roles at the Torbanlea facility would not make up for lost jobs in Maryborough. "This suggestion that they'll open expressions of interest for the 122 workers … who have their livelihoods on the line does not solve the problem of job losses in Maryborough," he said. The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union declined the ABC's request for comment.
News24
01-07-2025
- Business
- News24
Former Transnet executives granted R50 000 bail each for fraud and corruption
Ex-Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, and Thamsanqa Jiyane were granted bail at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court amid fraud and corruption charges tied to an alleged fraudulent R93-million-rand locomotive tender. This comes after they handed themselves over at a police station south of Johannesburg this morning. The court heard that in 2012, Transnet advertised a tender for the acquisition of the 1064 locomotives deal. The executives were then linked with an irregular payment of R93.4m to Trillian Asset management for organising a R30 billion loan to help buy the locomotives. It is alleged that a double payment was issued because Transnet had already paid another transaction advisory firm - Regiments. Trillian allegedly did nothing to earn the fee but invoiced Transnet. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame tells Drum that the accused are facing 18 charges including fraud, corruption, contravention of the public finance management act and the contravention of the company's act. Read more | Former Transnet executives, Siyabonga Gama & Brian Molefe, arrested over R93 million locomotive tender fraud 'These charges relate to the acquisition of three contracts for locomotives in Transnet for the period of 2011 to 2014. When Transnet took a decision to expand and modernise it's services, there was a need for these contracts or tenders. Bidders had to be called but the state will prove in court that processes were flouted hence the accused appeared in court today.' Transnet has another ongoing case at the Gauteng High Court relating to the awarding of irregular amounts but Mamothame explains that they are dealing with complex matters emanating from the State capture. He says they could not link this matter to the ongoing case because in their holistic approach as IDAC they approach cases differently depending on the facts of the matters. 'Yes the ongoing case also involves locomotives but in this case we have three different contracts.' Mamothame says they initially wanted the accused persons to pay R200 000 bail each because of the seriousness of their charges. 'The amount of money involved in this matter is a lot and the charges are of a serious nature which could lead to a serious conviction at a later stage. The matter was postponed to the 6th of October for final investigations to be concluded.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (NYSE:WAB) Antitrust Claims Dismissed In Merger Lawsuit
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies recently experienced a 13% increase in its share price over the last quarter. This positive movement coincided with the dismissal of antitrust claims challenging its merger with GE Transportation, potentially alleviating investor concerns about legal hurdles. Additionally, Q1 2025 earnings showed impressive growth, with a rise in net income and earnings per share, supporting the stock's upward trend. The company's commitment to shareholder returns is evidenced by the quarterly dividend declaration and a robust financial strategy marked by a substantial credit facility. These events likely bolstered confidence in Westinghouse's future prospects. We've identified 1 risk with Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies and understanding the impact should be part of your investment process. The latest GPUs need a type of rare earth metal called Neodymium and there are only 24 companies in the world exploring or producing it. Find the list for free. The recent developments surrounding Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies' merger with GE Transportation, including the dismissal of antitrust claims, have potentially bolstered investor confidence, reducing legal uncertainties that previously clouded its growth outlook. This optimism, combined with impressive Q1 2025 earnings, contributes positively to the company's revenue and earnings forecasts. As global demand for locomotives and digital technologies grows, Westinghouse is poised to benefit from strategic agreements and orders that enhance its earnings visibility and revenue growth potential, despite challenges in the North American market. Over the past five years, Westinghouse's total shareholder return, including dividends, amounted to 245.29%. This performance indicates substantial long-term gains compared to the broader market and sector benchmarks over shorter periods. In the past year, Westinghouse outpaced the US Machinery industry, which returned 9.1%, and the US market, which returned 11.7%, highlighting its competitive strength and market positioning. Considering the current share price of US$189.19, the recent price movement is vital against the consensus price target of US$210.18. This suggests a potential upside and reflects analysts' expectations for revenue to grow 5.4% annually and earnings to reach US$1.7 billion by 2028. While challenges like economic uncertainties and potential North American market constraints exist, the company's strategic focus on operational efficiencies and international market growth may provide a buffer, enhancing its long-term earnings trajectory. Assess Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies' previous results with our detailed historical performance reports. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:WAB. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
