Sellafield’s rail team welcomed the latest addition to their fleet this month as the site took delivery of its first fully electric locomotive.

Sellafield has one of the largest internal rail networks in the country, with eleven miles of track supporting site operations and the UK’s nuclear power industry.

The upgrade will help Sellafield to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the reliability of its rail fleet.

Mark McSherry, railways operations manager, said:

“We started replacing the older fleet almost three years ago, and already have two hybrid electric locos servicing the site.

“Drivers much prefer the newer machines to the older diesel models as they have increased manoeuvrability and additional comforts.”

The new 40 tonne, fully battery powered loco was built in just four months by Clayton, based in West Lancashire.

Shunter/driver Keiren McCue said:

“We have a close working relationship with the team at Clayton and have been involved in every stage of the process from the design and build, to test driving and coordinating the delivery.

“I look forward to seeing the new loco put to work.”