Aggregates operator poised to secure own rail licence through Europhoenix deal

An aggregates business that has assembled one of the UK's largest private fleets of Class 60 locomotives is expected to take a significant step towards operating its own rail services by acquiring Europhoenix Rail's train operating company (TOC) licence.

Industry sources indicate that DBI Holdings (DBIH) is set to purchase the operational side of Europhoenix Rail (EPR), allowing the company to move from relying on third-party freight operators to running trains under its own licence.

While the transaction has not been formally confirmed, the move would mark a major expansion of DBIH's rail ambitions.

From customer to operator

To date, DBIH—trading as Enviro Skip Hire Rail Services—has depended on freight operators including Colas Railand GB Railfreight to transport aggregates and spoil across Britain.

Its trains currently serve locations including Carlisle, Westbury, Penmaenmawr, Burngullow, Dewsbury and Redcar, supporting construction and infrastructure projects around the country.

Acquiring a train operating licence would allow the business to manage its own rail operations directly, providing greater control over services while reducing reliance on external operators.

Building a substantial Class 60 fleet

The proposed acquisition follows a series of significant locomotive purchases from DB Cargo UK.

DBIH initially acquired 12 withdrawn Class 60 locomotives in 2023 before expanding its fleet with a further 29 locomotives in 2025.

Earlier this year, the company also reached an agreement to purchase the remainder of DB Cargo's operational Class 60 fleet, with the exception of 60011, although industry sources now suggest that locomotive has since been included under a separate agreement.

Many of the locomotives had previously undergone the extensive 'Super 60' refurbishment programme before being withdrawn from service.

Fleet restoration gathering pace

The first locomotive to return to traffic under DBIH ownership is 60063, which has undergone overhaul, repainting and was renamed Robert Leech before re-entering service.

Further restorations are expected, with reports suggesting the company intends to establish an operational fleet of between 12 and 15 Class 60s.

Industry speculation indicates that locomotives including 60062 could be among the next candidates for overhaul, while a wider pool of withdrawn locomotives is being assessed for economic restoration.

Expanding rail operations

DBIH retained ownership of its original locomotive fleet after selling its Land Recovery business to Aggregate Industries in 2024, signalling its intention to develop an independent rail freight operation.

If the company proceeds with its own operating licence, it would become only the second significant operator of Class 60 locomotives after DCRail, although GB Railfreight continues to own a number of operational examples.

Europhoenix retains locomotive business

Although Europhoenix Rail is expected to exit train operations under the proposed deal, the company is understood to be retaining its locomotive spot-hire activities.

It has also rejected speculation that it has sold any of its Class 37 fleet.

The company confirmed it has received enquiries regarding locomotives 37069 and 37407 Blackpool Tower, but stated that no sales have been completed and that plans to dispose of the fully operational, mainline-certified 37407 have been placed on hold while other developments within the business continue.