Days of planned steam trains on local heritage railway cancelled due to coal "uncertainties"

The East Lancashire Railway has cancelled four days of planned steam trains due to “uncertainties regarding the supply of coal.”

Planned steam doubleheaders on 18 April, 15 May, 31 July and 11 September have all been cancelled with the operation of steam locomotives – which are powered by coal – rationed to busier days and dining services only.

Coal supplies have been affected due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia is the world’s third-largest exporter of coal, and imports of its products, including coal, have been banned by the UK, the US and Australia.

The ban covers crude, refined petroleum products, gas and coal.

Mike Kelly, Chairman at East Lancashire Railway, said: “Our coal supply for steam locomotives - like so many others - came from Russia. However, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine we have urgently reviewed this situation.

“We will use the Russian coal that’s already on the ground in the UK but going forward until this situation is resolved we are seeking alternatives to ensure continuity of services.

“For the time being, out of an abundance of caution, steam locomotives will be prioritised for busier operating days on the East Lancashire Railway and dining services, with diesel traction used on selected dates across the remainder of the timetable. 

“As a result of this, steam double-headers across 2022 will, for the time being, no longer take place.

“We are working closely with the Heritage Rail Association and other partners to explore all avenues to bolster coal supplies and timetables will be reviewed on a monthly basis.” 

Speaking in Parliament last week (Wednesday 9 March), Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said the UK would halt the import of Russian oil products, although this is only a “fraction” of the fuel imported to the UK.

He said: “The UK joins key allies, including the United States, in halting the import of Russian oil, which makes up 44% of Russian exports and 17% of the government revenue through taxation.

“The UK is phasing out imports of Russian oil during the course of the year.

“This transition will give the market, it will give businesses and supply chains more than enough time to substitute Russian imports.”