Greenbrier delivers first batch of new flat wagons from Poland to Freightliner UK
Freightliner UK, the British subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., has received 40 new flat wagons of the FFA-G type from the consortium of Wabtec Axiom Rail and Greenbrier Europe. It is the first batch of the 230-unit order placed by the British rail freight operator. The flat wagons were manufactured in Poland, namely at the Wagony Świdnica plant, which is a part of The Greenbrier Companies.
The first wagons were delivered to the British operator on 18 September, and the entire order will be completed by the end of November 2021. The FFA-G series wagons were developed as a result of more than two-year-long cooperation of Freightliner with Wabtec and Greenbrier. Production takes place at the Wagony Świdnica factory, the largest exporter of rolling stock in Poland and a part of The Greenbrier Companies. Freightliner Group, including its British and Polish operators, is one of the most important customers for the mentioned wagon builder.
Fruitful cooperation
The new FFA-G wagon was developed after the two-and-a-half-year-long cooperation between Greenbrier Europe and Wabtec Corporation Axiom Rail together with Freightliner. “Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, the FFA-G wagon is more than two tonnes lighter per platform than its nearest competitor, driving significantly less weight per train whilst maintaining industry safety standards. The modern low track force bogies ensure significantly reduced noise levels and minimise track damage,” Freightliner stated.
Furthermore, the new wagons have a working deck height of 980 millimetres and can be operated on the W10 network of the main UK railways. The platforms can transport 40′ x 9’6” ISO containers, which means that the FFA-G wagons have a greater ground clearance than other flat wagons for transporting 40-foot containers.
Sustainable transport
As Freightliner emphasises, rail already has 76 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than road transport. On the other hand, thanks to the use of new lighter 40-foot wagons and containers, a further 7 per cent of CO2 emissions can be reduced. As a result, the carbon footprint of Freightliner’s transport services will decrease by 78 per cent. “The FFA-G wagon further enhances the environmental benefits of rail and makes an even greater contribution to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050,” said Tim Shakerley, Freightliner’s Managing Director of UK Rail.
Read more about Freightliner UK: