Rail freight operating company, GB Railfreight has named a Class 66 locomotive ‘Ipswich Town’ during a ceremony at Ipswich Station. The locomotive will now be used to pull a wide range of goods, including construction materials, fuel and many items found in shops across the country.
To mark the occasion, GB Railfreight Chief Executive, John Smith, Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Managing Director, Dan Everitt and Ipswich Town’s Chairman, Mike O’Leary and Chief Executive, Mark Ashton unveiled the name plate of the locomotive at Ipswich Station. Also present at the ceremony, were current Ipswich club legend and former manager George Burley.
GB Railfreight has a number of football themed locomotives – 66725 is named ‘Sunderland’ to reflect the fanatical support of its Chief Executive, John Smith and 66738, ‘Huddersfield Town’ was unveiled in 2017 by Huddersfield fan and train enthusiast, Sir Patrick Stewart.
Football fans and train enthusiasts will be able to see the locomotive across the network in the coming months. Locomotive 66307 was acquired by GB Railfreight in 2023 from Akiem in mainland Europe and is currently undertaking its final fit out after being converted for service on the network in Great Britain.
John Smith, Chief Executive – GB Railfreight, said:
“We’re delighted to be naming a locomotive ‘Ipswich Town’. Not only does it extend GB Railfreight’s tradition of naming locomotives after football clubs, it also acknowledges that the Port of Felixstowe and East Anglia have been central to our success.
“In that time, we’ve developed a strong relationship with MSC, that will continue to thrive as we seek to grow the business further, driving jobs and growth across the region.”
Danny Everitt, Managing Director – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), said:
“Our relationship with GB Railfreight has always been special, spanning over 22 years from when we established our very first contract train from the Port of Felixstowe. This partnership has grown from strength to strength and together with Ipswich Town, we can continue to support our customers nationwide whilst reducing Co2 from the supply chain.”
Mark Ashdown, CEO – Ipswich Town Football Club, said:
“We are honoured GB Railfreight have named a locomotive after Ipswich Town Football Club.
“To know a locomotive will be transporting the Club’s name around the country, alongside valued partner MSC, is something we can all take a great deal of pride in.”
