VTG Rail’s Ecofret2: the intermodal wagon taking the UK to the next generation of rail freight delivery

VTG Rail’s Ecofret2: the intermodal wagon taking the UK to the next generation of rail freight delivery


VTG Rail’s Ecofret2 wagon is a revolutionary offering for the intermodal rail freight sector, changing the way containerised freight is moved across Britain. Introduced to the UK fleet in 2021 Ecofret2 is the next generation of the award-winning performance of VTG’s Ecofret wagon and offers optimal enhancements to deliver even more in efficiency gains and cost savings for rail freight operators, their customers and ultimately the general public buying their goods from the supermarket shelves.

By offering greater carrying capabilities, no wasted space and less turbulence Ecofret2 decreases the cost of transport by offering better fuel economy. Track friendly bogies lower track access charges, further enhancing the business case for modal switch.

Ecofret2’s new track-friendly “TF20” bogie, with integral braking system, offers enhanced dynamic ride performance and incorporates additional container mounting points for increased loading flexibility. Ecofret2 is also fitted with VTG’s next-generation ‘Connect’ telematics system, allowing customers to subscribe to a range of GPS-based tracking, monitoring and digital services.

 Why is the Ecofret2 important?

The key benefits of the Ecofret range are that it avoids the need for empty spaces, which are so often seen on trains made up of 60ft deck length container flats carrying a single 40ft box. These empty spaces are wasteful and create considerable turbulence when running at 75mph, increasing drag and fuel consumption.

Ecofret2 platforms are fitted with a bogie design incorporating rubber suspension components and hydraulic damping, giving an improved dynamic ride. This new bogie is the first to meet the revised version of Railway Group Standard GM/RT2141 which was updated following RAIB recommendations for approvals procedures to demonstrate that vehicles are not susceptible to derailment due to “cyclic top” track features. They also feature additional container mounting points on the outer platforms, meaning that either two 20ft or one 40ft box can be carried on all platforms giving maximum loading flexibility to customers.

The Ecofret2 comes in different configurations offering maximum flexibility, building on the great work from the first Ecofret. The introduction of these new of 40’ platforms in significant numbers allow freight operators to reconfigure their wagon fleets and run optimal trains for the type of containers being moved.

Where 40’ and 20’ deep sea containers are being transported from the main South and South-East ports to inland terminals, trains consisting of Ecofrets, possibly in combination with 60’ FEA platforms, provide the most efficient solution with minimal wasted space and therefore customers can benefit immediately. This then allows any Megafret twin wagons that may have been used in maritime container traffic to be diverted to ‘domestic intermodal’ operations, carrying 45ft containers from inland terminals or other smaller ports to distribution centres throughout the country.

As always, using the most efficient tool for the job pays dividends and over time the gains from the introduction of the Ecofret range to supplement the existing intermodal fleet will provide significant cost savings for users and end customers alike.

The Ecofret2 was put into assembly in the winter of 2020, briefly delayed by the pandemic. One of the key challenges to its production was of course the need for effective social distancing measures that rapidly needed to be implemented across the business.

All of the new wagons were (and are) built at WH Davis’ Shirebrook site in the East Midlands, where the first prototypes were also tested. Special measures had to be put in place to establish a socially distant working environment, as staff safety was always paramount. As a new wagon design Ecofret2 had to undergo full on-track testing under lock-down restrictions. Delays caused by the issues of distancing meant this was pushed back into the middle of winter causing other weather-related challenges. Approvals activities had to take place remotely for the same reason, but with hard work and dedication from everyone involved, the project was completed for delivery to the first customer GBRf.

While the production of the Ecofret2 was being undertaken in the UK, the parts are sourced internationally and some from countries of origin that were badly hit by the pandemic. This was a brand-new bogie design. Designing, building and testing this in a pandemic was extremely tough.

The day-to-day operations at VTG were kept as normal as possible and its products and services were always available without any restrictions.

For more information visit www.uk.vtg.com

4th November 2022