Freightliner receives its first FFA-G wagons
New fleet will allow more energy-efficient carriage of freight.
FREIGHTLINER has taken delivery of the first 40 of 230 new FFA-G 40ft intermodal wagons – the result of twoand-a-half years of work to achieve an energy-saving design.
The wagons, which are over two tonnes lighter per platform than their nearest competitor, were manufactured in Poland through a partnership with Greenbrier Europe and Axiom Rail.
As well as equating to a significantly lighter train, the operation of the vehicles is expected to result in lower noise levels and less track damage due to their modern low track force bogies.
The FFA-G has a working deck height of 980mm and, when carrying a 40ft/9ft 6in ISO container, offers a wider W10 gauge clearance than other 40ft wagons having achieved route acceptance for the entire W10 network.
Freightliner says a combination of weight saving and closely-coupled 40ft wagons could reduce carbon emissions by a further 7% compared to other rail services.
The deliveries of the wagons to the UK, which began on September 18, were expected to be completed by November.