US firm GE has delivered the first two of 30 freight locomotives to UK rail freight operator Freightliner.
The 129t PowerHaul Series diesel-electric locomotives feature new V16-cylinder, 3,700-horsepower engine, AC individual-axle traction-control technology and dynamic braking.
The low-emission locomotives generate more horsepower and tractive effort as well as reducing fuel use by nearly 9% compared to current operating fleet averages, the company says.
The remainder of the fleet is scheduled to be delivered in November.
The order, placed in 2007, is the largest for freight locomotives by Freightliner and marks GE's first foray into the UK and Europe.
