GBRf Class 99 - 30 locomotives now ordered

[66103]

Thank you for taking the time to answer. 99007 was seen at Portbury on 28th April. I don't know if that's the date Oregon Highway arrived at Portbury, can anyone confirm this please?

I can only speculate, however I believe I've narrowed it down to a 50/50 on what ship brought over 99007.

Grande Mediterrano was docked in Portbury 26th - 27th April

After coming from Valencia a week prior with a stop of in Morocco on the way.

GRANDE MEDITERRANEO - Vehicles Carrier (IMO: 9138393, MMSI: 247305000) | MyShipTracking

Details and realtime position for the vessel GRANDE MEDITERRANEO with MMSI 247305000, IMO 9138393 that is registered in [IT] Italy

www.myshiptracking.com

Tethys Highway was docked at Portbury between 25th and 26th after coming direct from Barcelona

​

TETHYS HIGHWAY - Cargo (IMO: 1046051, MMSI: 431476000) | MyShipTracking

Details and realtime position for the vessel TETHYS HIGHWAY with MMSI 431476000, IMO 1046051 that is registered in [JP] Japan

www.myshiptracking.com

I know at least 4 of the previous 6 deliveries have come on a ship from Barcelona not Valencia where the locos are built, and 003 & 004 came across onboard the Nereus Highway, a sister ship of the same company as Tethys Highway, so if I was a betting man, that’d be your ship!

Hope this helps

 

[99009]

I can only speculate, however I believe I've narrowed it down to a 50/50 on what ship brought over 99007.

Grande Mediterrano was docked in Portbury 26th - 27th April

After coming from Valencia a week prior with a stop of in Morocco on the way.

GRANDE MEDITERRANEO - Vehicles Carrier (IMO: 9138393, MMSI: 247305000) | MyShipTracking

Details and realtime position for the vessel GRANDE MEDITERRANEO with MMSI 247305000, IMO 9138393 that is registered in [IT] Italy

www.myshiptracking.com

Tethys Highway was docked at Portbury between 25th and 26th after coming direct from Barcelona

​

TETHYS HIGHWAY - Cargo (IMO: 1046051, MMSI: 431476000) | MyShipTracking

Details and realtime position for the vessel TETHYS HIGHWAY with MMSI 431476000, IMO 1046051 that is registered in [JP] Japan

www.myshiptracking.com

I know at least 4 of the previous 6 deliveries have come on a ship from Barcelona not Valencia where the locos are built, and 003 & 004 came across onboard the Nereus Highway, a sister ship of the same company as Tethys Highway, so if I was a betting man, that’d be your ship!

Hope this helps

Thank you very much for this @66103 and so, unless any confirmation is posted anywhere, I'm now going to note down Tethys Highway as the probable ship for 99007 on my Class 99 notes. I would also like to say thanks to everyone else who came to this thread to try to answer the question. If I see anything that confirms this I will update here, but for now I'm going with Tethys Highway for 99007.

 

[Tobytrain10]

The class 99 tests this week that i mentioned in a previous post have been cancelled for today

 

[Peter Sarf]

Thank you very much for this @66103 and so, unless any confirmation is posted anywhere, I'm now going to note down Tethys Highway as the probable ship for 99007 on my Class 99 notes. I would also like to say thanks to everyone else who came to this thread to try to answer the question. If I see anything that confirms this I will update here, but for now I'm going with Tethys Highway for 99007.

On the other hand - perhaps 99007 came via Valencia and so that is why no one noticed ?.

 

[92002]

The class 99 tests this week that i mentioned in a previous post have been cancelled for today

According to Rail Magazine

class 99 network clearance​

The Class 99 locomotives have received Authorisation for Placing Into Service (APIS) from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), confirming that they meet all essential requirements for safety, accessibility, environmental performance, and technical compatibility. This approval is a significant milestone for the Class 99s, as it paves the way for their operational debut in early 2026. The locomotives have undergone rigorous testing and are expected to enter revenue-generating service by then. Network Rail has issued route clearance, which is anticipated to be shortly, and the Class 99s are expected to be in commercial service in early 2026.

3

railmagazine.com

 

[Peter Sarf]

According to Rail Magazine

class 99 network clearance​

The Class 99 locomotives have received Authorisation for Placing Into Service (APIS) from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), confirming that they meet all essential requirements for safety, accessibility, environmental performance, and technical compatibility. This approval is a significant milestone for the Class 99s, as it paves the way for their operational debut in early 2026. The locomotives have undergone rigorous testing and are expected to enter revenue-generating service by then. Network Rail has issued route clearance, which is anticipated to be shortly, and the Class 99s are expected to be in commercial service in early 2026.

3

railmagazine.com

That's old news - from 3rd November 2025.

ORR authorises GB Railfreight's Class 99 for UK operations​

• By Rich Wilcock
• |
• 3 November 2025
• News

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 May 2026 ==

Just encountered this on the Swanage Railway thread.

This is a funny looking 69
View attachment 203632
“After many months in the making, we are thrilled to announce that thanks to our friends at GB Railfreight, joining us for this year’s Diesel Gala & Beer Festival and making the class’s UK passenger debut is Class 99 99004!

“We have also been advised that the class 73 joining us (also courtesy of GB Railfreight) will be 73141. This will be 73141’s first visit to a Swanage Railway Diesel Gala.”

.......................................

 

[Rail Quest]

According to Rail Magazine

class 99 network clearance​

The Class 99 locomotives have received Authorisation for Placing Into Service (APIS) from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), confirming that they meet all essential requirements for safety, accessibility, environmental performance, and technical compatibility. This approval is a significant milestone for the Class 99s, as it paves the way for their operational debut in early 2026. The locomotives have undergone rigorous testing and are expected to enter revenue-generating service by then. Network Rail has issued route clearance, which is anticipated to be shortly, and the Class 99s are expected to be in commercial service in early 2026.

3

railmagazine.com

That's old news - from 3rd November 2025.

ORR authorises GB Railfreight's Class 99 for UK operations​

• By Rich Wilcock
• |
• 3 November 2025
• News

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 May 2026 ==

Just encountered this on the Swanage Railway thread.

I'm assuming @92002 was referring to this article, which was posted today: https://www.railmagazine.com/news/g...introduction-after-getting-network-acceptance
[URL directs to Rail Magazine article of Class 99 Network Acceptance]

It states that:

The operator received Network Rail Summary of Compatibility (NRSC) for its electro-diesel fleet on April 30.
This means the ‘99s’ are no longer solely under test and, apart from the odd route restrictions, which would always have been expected, the locomotives are now free to work any trains required by GBRf.

 

[Tobytrain10]

I'm assuming @92002 was referring to this article, which was posted today: https://www.railmagazine.com/news/g...introduction-after-getting-network-acceptance
[URL directs to Rail Magazine article of Class 99 Network Acceptance]

It states that:

I had thought this since i saw that the class 99 light loco movement that was cancelled did not have Q in its headcode, im pretty sure the 2 99s at peterborough should have gone to march to get 10 empty sand wagons to top and tail back and forth, it could possibly happen tommorow because there is a VSTP to march yard tommorow morning but im not sure if thats actually the 99s

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 May 2026 ==

there is a VSTP to march yard tommorow morning but im not sure if thats actually the 99s

Im actually about 95% sure now looking at the schedule, it was the exact same time as last morning and exact same headcode

 

[99009]

On the other hand - perhaps 99007 came via Valencia and so that is why no one noticed ?.

Aaaahhh, my head hurts! If someone does find out the definitive answer please let me know.

I had thought this since i saw that the class 99 light loco movement that was cancelled did not have Q in its headcode, im pretty sure the 2 99s at peterborough should have gone to march to get 10 empty sand wagons to top and tail back and forth, it could possibly happen tommorow because there is a VSTP to march yard tommorow morning but im not sure if thats actually the 99s

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 May 2026 ==


Im actually about 95% sure now looking at the schedule, it was the exact same time as last morning and exact same headcode

Confirmed. 99002+99003 now allocated to 0Z37. This is also confirmation that 99's no longer need the letter Q in the headcodes.

0Z37 Peterborough Yard - March Yard:

Realtime Trains | 0Z37 0549 Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to March Up Yard Gbrf | 06/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 0Z37 0549 departure from Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to March Up Yard Gbrf on 06/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

4Q37 March Yard - Doncaster Decoy Yard via Spalding and Lincoln Central in daylight throughout:

Realtime Trains | 4Q37 0800 March Up Yard Gbrf to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf | 06/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q37 0800 departure from March Up Yard Gbrf to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf on 06/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Class73Electro]

Announced that a 99 is attending the Swanage Gala this weekend! Gutted I won't be around for it!

 

[92002]

Announced that a 99 is attending the Swanage Gala this weekend! Gutted I won't be around for it!

Two also expected at the Bo'Ness Gala on May15

 

[Peter Sarf]

I'm assuming @92002 was referring to this article, which was posted today: https://www.railmagazine.com/news/g...introduction-after-getting-network-acceptance
[URL directs to Rail Magazine article of Class 99 Network Acceptance]

It states that:

Thanks for that - makes much more sense and fits in with GBRF saying (so hoping) they would start using their 99s once they had six here.

Aaaahhh, my head hurts! If someone does find out the definitive answer please let me know.

Glad to be of service

Maybe worth asking the shipping company(s). Or maybe any public info regarding customs clearance etc at the port (either end).
(just brainstorming).

Confirmed. 99002+99003 now allocated to 0Z37. This is also confirmation that 99's no longer need the letter Q in the headcodes.

0Z37 Peterborough Yard - March Yard:

Realtime Trains | 0Z37 0549 Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to March Up Yard Gbrf | 06/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 0Z37 0549 departure from Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf to March Up Yard Gbrf on 06/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

4Q37 March Yard - Doncaster Decoy Yard via Spalding and Lincoln Central in daylight throughout:

Realtime Trains | 4Q37 0800 March Up Yard Gbrf to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf | 06/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q37 0800 departure from March Up Yard Gbrf to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf on 06/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

That would be the last bit of proof, and the first proper use.

Announced that a 99 is attending the Swanage Gala this weekend! Gutted I won't be around for it!

Should be 99004 if my (quoted & merged) post (1,566) upthread is correct.

 

[jazzy]

Does anyone know when the next one might arrive at Portbury?

 

[1D54]

Info on post #1,518.

 

[47286Dan]

Thursday morning update

99001 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B
99002 MBEL PBORO YDS 454Q501E07 F DONCDNDCY B
99003 MBEL PBORO YDS 454Q501E07 D * DONCDNDCY B
99004 MBEL LESTER SD 590Z472A07 F ELEIGHRNC B
99005 MBEL LEICESTER LEICESTER F B
99006 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B
99007 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B

Dan

 

[Class73Electro]

Thursday morning update

99001 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B
99002 MBEL PBORO YDS 454Q501E07 F DONCDNDCY B
99003 MBEL PBORO YDS 454Q501E07 D * DONCDNDCY B
99004 MBEL LESTER SD 590Z472A07 F ELEIGHRNC B
99005 MBEL LEICESTER LEICESTER F B
99006 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B
99007 MBEL LESTER SD LESTER SD F B

Dan

Thanks for the info Dan!

Anyone know which bit of Eastleigh the "Eastleigh Works Gbrf" is?

 

[XCTurbostar]

I assume 4Q52 Peterborough to Doncaster down decoy is 99s today?

 

[47286Dan]

I assume 4Q52 Peterborough to Doncaster down decoy is 99s today?

Showing just 99002 on 4Q52

99002 MBEL PETERBORO 454Q521N07 D * DONCDNDCY B

Dan

 

[Adrian Barr]

Anyone know which bit of Eastleigh the "Eastleigh Works Gbrf" is?

It's the Arlington Works, the "GBRF" on the end is because you can have duplicate locations in the system created for different FOCs, which are physically the same place.

EASTLEIGH ARLINGTON (ZG) / ELGHARLTN / 86092
EASTLEIGH WORKS GBRF / ELEIGHRNC / 86109
EASTLEIGH WORKS-ALSTOM-FL / ELEIGH RC / 86127

all the same place... I think the RNC in ELEIGHRNC is renovation centre, which sounds like a former designation for the works

 

[Class73Electro]

It's the Arlington Works, the "GBRF" on the end is because you can have duplicate locations in the system created for different FOCs, which are physically the same place.

EASTLEIGH ARLINGTON (ZG) / ELGHARLTN / 86092
EASTLEIGH WORKS GBRF / ELEIGHRNC / 86109
EASTLEIGH WORKS-ALSTOM-FL / ELEIGH RC / 86127

all the same place... I think the RNC in ELEIGHRNC is renovation centre, which sounds like a former designation for the works

Thanks! Was hoping to possibly see it, but assuming it left with 5Z73 to Swanage

 

[Adrian Barr]

Yes, 5Z73 consisted with 99004, 73141 and vehicles 76297 / 71163 / 70823 / 76324 (4TC set)

 

[Tony2]

Two also expected at the Bo'Ness Gala on May15

Bo’ness gala timetables are online here, the class 99s will feature on 16th and one run only 17th am:

Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway

Discover the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. Heritage steam and diesel trains, special events and the Museum of Scottish Railways

www.bkrailway.co.uk

 

[99009]

To recap then, this is what I believe happened yesterday from 07:00 onwards. Corrections are welcome if there are any about the consist of 4Q54/4Q55.

99002 worked 4Q50/4Q51/4Q52/4Q53 between Peterborough and Doncaster and then worked 4Q54/4Q55 to/from Nuneaton with 5 IIA hoppers.
99003 didn't move at all yesterday after arriving at Peterborough yard in the early hours on 4Q64.
99004 worked 0Z47 Leicester - Eastleigh East Yard solo and 5Z73 Eastleigh East Yard - Swanage with the stock posted in post #1581. Fresh routes for Class 99's were travelled on during these workings.

Which leaves todays plan:

99001 or 99005 or 99006 or 99007 (or any combination thereof) will be going from Leicester to Peterborough as 0E99.
0E99: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:73307/2026-05-08/detailed

99002 or 99003 (or both) will be heading in the opposite direction from Peterborough to Leicester as 0M99.
0M99: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:73313/2026-05-08/detailed

99004 is in action at the Swanage Diesel Gala and will be until Sunday.

 

[zwk500]

Following up on the article mentioned in post #1,567:

GBRf have published a photo of 5 of the 6 active Class 99s on LinkedIn, as part of the post confirming Network Rail have issued the interim statement of compatibility. The same photo is likely on most social media channels.

#class99 #gbrf #gbrailfreight #railfreight #decarbonisation | GB Railfreight

Our Class 99s have reached two important milestones. ✅ Network Rail has granted us an Interim Statement of Compatibility, allowing the fleet to operate across Britain’s rail network. ✅ The first six Class 99s have been accepted into our fleet, enabling driver training to scale up ahead of...

www.linkedin.com

Our Class 99s have reached two important milestones.

✅ Network Rail has granted us an Interim Statement of Compatibility, allowing the fleet to operate across Britain’s rail network.
✅ The first six Class 99s have been accepted into our fleet, enabling driver training to scale up ahead of entry into service later this summer.

Here's a great shot by Anthony Middleton of five of them, ready for service.

[Photo not directly reposted to avoid rights issues, if any]

 

[JKF]

I wonder if they will ever use them to collect other class 99s from Portbury? That would make a good sight!

 

[Tobytrain10]

To recap then, this is what I believe happened yesterday from 07:00 onwards. Corrections are welcome if there are any about the consist of 4Q54/4Q55.

99002 worked 4Q50/4Q51/4Q52/4Q53 between Peterborough and Doncaster and then worked 4Q54/4Q55 to/from Nuneaton with 5 IIA hoppers.
99003 didn't move at all yesterday after arriving at Peterborough yard in the early hours on 4Q64.
99004 worked 0Z47 Leicester - Eastleigh East Yard solo and 5Z73 Eastleigh East Yard - Swanage with the stock posted in post #1581. Fresh routes for Class 99's were travelled on during these workings.

Which leaves todays plan:

99001 or 99005 or 99006 or 99007 (or any combination thereof) will be going from Leicester to Peterborough as 0E99.
0E99: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:73307/2026-05-08/detailed

99002 or 99003 (or both) will be heading in the opposite direction from Peterborough to Leicester as 0M99.
0M99: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:73313/2026-05-08/detailed

99004 is in action at the Swanage Diesel Gala and will be until Sunday.

On monday there is a light loco test headcode from leicester to March so that might be 99007 Maybe or the VSTPs today is just what would have run on monday

 

[zwk500]

I wonder if they will ever use them to collect other class 99s from Portbury? That would make a good sight!

No idea, but if the information of "Mid-May" is correct in post #1,518:

WNXX reports 008 requiring attention and will ship with 009 Mid May

And @66103's hunch that it's the 'Highways' ships taking them across from Barcelona

I know at least 4 of the previous 6 deliveries have come on a ship from Barcelona not Valencia where the locos are built, and 003 & 004 came across onboard the Nereus Highway, a sister ship of the same company as Tethys Highway, so if I was a betting man, that’d be your ship!

Then Looking at K-Line's Schedule (available here: https://www.klineglobalroro.com/schedules/4-1_europe-south_africa_and_asia.pdf) it would suggest keeping an eye on whether a 99 moves to down to Portbury for the 21st May or thereabouts:

(this schedule is easily available from their homepage: https://www.klineglobalroro.com/)

The Amphitrite Highway is currently just off Barcelona: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1024405

 

[47286Dan]

99001 or 99005 or 99006 or 99007 (or any combination thereof) will be going from Leicester to Peterborough as 0E99.

99001 MBEL LESTER SD 590E992N08 F PBONYGBRF B

Dan

 

[99009]

The latest Class 99 situation, as far as I'm aware, is as follows...

99001 - 139 confirmed mainline workings* - Currently at Peterborough yard since 08/05/26 arriving on 0E99.
99002 - 126 confirmed mainline workings - Currently at Leicester depot since 08/05/26 arriving on 0M99.
99003 - 31 confirmed mainline workings - Currently at Leicester depot since 08/05/26 arriving on 0M99.
99004 - 26 confirmed mainline workings - Currently at the Swanage Railway since 07/05/26 arriving on 5Z73.
99005 - 24 confirmed mainline workings - Currently at Leicester depot since 01/05/26 arriving on 0Q22.
99006 - 31 confirmed mainline workings - Currently at Leicester depot since 01/05/26 arriving on 0Q22.
99007 - 1 confirmed mainline working - Currently at Leicester depot since 30/04/26 arriving on 0Q57.

*confirmed mainline workings = a move on the mainline either under the locos own power or dragged by another loco(s) and involving a headcode. Depot/yard shunts and heritage line movements not included.

Tomorrow's plan...

99004 heads home to Leicester depot. First it will work 5Z73 Swanage - Eastleigh East Yard and then 0Z47 Eastleigh East Yard - Leicester but this time 0Z47 is routed via Reading West, Tilehurst, Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Dorridge and Tyseley, which means more new track will be covered by the class.

5Z73 Swanage - Eastleigh East Yard:

Realtime Trains | 5Z73 0930 Swanage to Eastleigh Works Gbrf | 11/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z73 0930 departure from Swanage to Eastleigh Works Gbrf on 11/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

0Z47 Eastleigh East Yard - Leicester:

Realtime Trains | 0Z47 1231 Eastleigh East Yard to Leicester L.I.P. | 11/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 0Z47 1231 departure from Eastleigh East Yard to Leicester L.I.P. on 11/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Before 99004 heads home, take your pick from 99002 or 99003 or 99005-99007 to work 0Q75 Leicester - March:

Realtime Trains | 0Q75 0750 Leicester L.I.P. to March Up Yard Gbrf | 11/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 0Q75 0750 departure from Leicester L.I.P. to March Up Yard Gbrf on 11/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

And whichever 99 works 0Q75 will then work this, 4Q75 March - Peterborough:

Realtime Trains | 4Q75 1135 March Up Yard Gbrf to P'bro Westwood Sdgs | 11/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q75 1135 departure from March Up Yard Gbrf to P'bro Westwood Sdgs on 11/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Tuesday - Thursday has the following schedules so far...
4Q30 Peterborough - Doncaster Decoy via Spalding + Lincoln Central:

Realtime Trains | 4Q30 0912 P'bro Westwood Sdgs to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf | 12/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q30 0912 departure from P'bro Westwood Sdgs to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf on 12/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

4Q31 Doncaster Decoy - Peterborough via the ECML:

Realtime Trains | 4Q31 1154 Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf to P'boro Eastfield Jn. | 12/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q31 1154 departure from Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf to P'boro Eastfield Jn. on 12/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

4Q32 Peterborough - Doncaster Decoy via Spading + Lincoln Central:

Realtime Trains | 4Q32 1500 P'boro Eastfield Jn. to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf | 12/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q32 1500 departure from P'boro Eastfield Jn. to Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf on 12/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

4Q33 Doncaster Decoy - Peterborough via Lincoln Central + Spalding:

Realtime Trains | 4Q33 1758 Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf | 12/05/2026

Real-time train running information for 4Q33 1758 departure from Doncaster Down Decoy Gbrf to Peterborough North Yd Gbrf on 12/05/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Note that there's no schedule for 4Q33 on Thursday and this is probably because a separate schedule for a 4Q33 Doncaster Decoy - March will be entered into the system closer to the day.

Hopefully all this is of use or interest.

 

[RailwayRookie]

Brilliant write up!

As an aside, having the the different 99s journeys all plotted on some sort of heat map would be cool.