Freightliner and Porterbrook Partner on Low-Carbon Intermodal Wagons
Freightliner and Porterbrook have announced a new agreement that will see 150 new Intermodal Wagons introduced to the UK rail network. The wagons will be manufactured by UK-based independent builder WH Davis, supporting Porterbrook’s growth strategy and strengthening Freightliner’s role as the country’s largest intermodal freight operator. The initiative also contributes to the government’s net zero targets.
The wagons are expected to begin arriving in the first quarter of 2027. They feature a new design based on 40ft platforms, which allow greater efficiency in container transport and deliver around a 7% reduction in carbon emissions compared with traditional 60ft platforms. Wabtec will supply the bogies for the new wagons.
Chris Lawrenson, Freightliner Managing Director of Intermodal Logistics, said:
“Freightliner is thrilled to be partnering with Porterbrook Leasing and WH Davis on this crucial new build project. Supporting UK manufacturing wherever viable is not just important to us as a business, but also to our country’s economy. These new 40ft wagons will bring in further efficiencies to our services and increase modal share to rail from road, which in turn allows us to deliver more effectively for our customers, enabling growth and ultimately removing more lorries from our congested roads.”
Max Ordish, Head of Freight & Commercial Projects for Porterbrook, added:
“Porterbook is delighted to be working with strategic partners Freightliner and WH Davis on this innovative and decarbonised solution for the intermodal market. The order of this new wagon design serves as a landmark deal in our portfolio and will help our customer achieve greater efficiencies and fewer carbon emissions in its future operations.”
Andy Houghton, Managing Director for WH Davis, said:
“As Managing Director of WH Davis, part of Buckland Rail, I’m proud to be working alongside Porterbrook and Freightliner on this innovative, low-carbon solution for the intermodal market. Securing this order for our new wagon design represents a significant milestone for our business, and we are looking forward to building on the collaborative relationship between the three companies.”
Tim Bentley, Group Vice President Regional Services for Wabtec UK, commented:
“Wabtec Corporation is proud to collaborate with Freightliner, WH Davies, and Porterbrook on this exciting project. Our Axiom TF20+ bogie design, together with Wabtec’s UIC brake equipment, has been selected for the new wagons. This will deliver key life cycle benefits, including extended wheel life, fuel savings, and reduced track access charges. We look forward to working closely with our partners to successfully deliver this program and provide lasting value to our customers.”
Image: Freightliner Group