DB Cargo UK has entered into a significant agreement with Siemens Mobility to equip the UK's Class 66 freight locomotives with the new European Train Control System (ETCS).
Starting in July, the installation of the in-cab signalling system will commence on nine Class 66 locomotives, all owned by DB Cargo UK. This work will be carried out at the Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the East Midlands and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
This project marks the first phase of a nationwide initiative to equip all DB Cargo's Class 66 locomotives with ETCS, as part of the broader implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in the UK.
The initial deployment of ERTMS is being managed by the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which aims to replace traditional lineside signals with advanced digital in-cab technology.
Siemens Mobility, the chosen partner for the ECDP, will be responsible for designing, integrating, and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto the freight locomotives, facilitating a signal-free East Coast Main Line
Emily Woodward, Network Rail’s senior sponsor (freight) for ECDP, said: “This is an exciting step on the journey to a digital railway, which will contribute to rail freight’s growth by helping freight trains operate more efficiently on the network. We welcome the collaboration and innovation as our partners progress the pioneering work of fitting freight locos for the next generation railway.”
DB Cargo UK’s head of asset management and maintenance Jon Harman said the contract award underlined the company’s long and proud history of delivering engineering excellence to the rail sector.
He added that mobilisation work had already begun at Toton to facilitate the delivery of the new contract. This will see the installation of a new load bank, wash plant and overhead cranes, as well as new accommodation to co-locate staff from Siemens on the site.
Jon said: “Having recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of our own Class 66 locomotives (66039), which has recently undergone dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens to install the new technology in further locomotives.
“This contract award has been secured on the back of the hard work and dedication of our maintenance and engineering colleagues and represents a significant boost to our order book.”
“DB Cargo UK is very proud of the industry-leading role we continue to play in the delivery of ERTMS here in the UK which will deliver a more dynamic, reliable and safer railway for all those who use it.
“It will provide much needed capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and other routes and this significant investment in the Class 66 locomotive is a further advancement towards securing the long-term growth of our sector.”
Rob Morris, joint CEO and managing director, rail infrastructure UK&I, Siemens Mobility, said: “I’m delighted that Siemens Mobility is playing a key role to transform rail travel and transport for freight users through the fitment of our European Train Control System (ETCS) on the Class 66 locomotives.
“Following the successful first-in-class fitment, the complexity of integrating ETCS across multiple design variants has truly showcased the skill, precision, and dedication of our engineering teams. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with DB Cargo UK, Network Rail and the East Coast Digital Programme on this exciting project.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
