Network Rail awarded Siemens Rail Automation the contract to install European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling system on Britain’s freight fleet, with a target to equip around 750 vehicles.
The initial focus will be on the heaviest used types of locomotive and the learning from this first stage will be used to inform the wider potential fleet roll-out from 2022 onwards.
The initial phase is expected to lead on to become one of the world’s biggest ETCS retro-fit programmes. Siemens will install its Trainguard 200 ETCS on-board solution on freight locomotives which operate across Great Britain. Siemens’ Trainguard Level 2, Baseline 3 system will be installed to align with Network Rail’s proposals for deploying ETCS to the rail network.
Under the contract, Siemens will collaborate with Network Rail and the six rail freight operators, as they entered into agreements with Network Rail to support fitment and prepare for ETCS operation. The initial stage is funded, and pending future funding the contract is ultimately worth up to GBP 150 million (EUR 169.7 million). For the digital railway programme, the government announced to invest GBP 450 million (EUR 509 million)
“This is a significant investment and underlines our commitment to the freight sector. It will assure long-term competitiveness through increased performance and is a key part of a cohesive portfolio of freight investment for CP6 and beyond,” Paul McMahon, freight managing director at Network Rail said.
The design, testing and approvals stage for each class of vehicle starts now and work to retrofit the entire freight fleet will begin in 2022 and continue through to Control Period 7 (2024-2029). Additionally, around 2400 drivers will require additional training on how to use the new solution. 
Siemens and Network Rail will provide support to the freight rail operators during this time, and it’s expected the programme will involve more than 150 skilled engineering jobs across the UK, with the installation teams being based at the Holgate and Eastleigh depots.
“We are delighted to be working closely with Network Rail and the Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) on this landmark digital railway project, which will ultimately be one of the largest ETCS on-board retrofit programmes in the UK,” Rob Morris, Managing Director of Siemens Rail Automation in the UK said.
The operators currently licensed to provide freight services in Britain include DB Cargo UK, Colas Rail, Direct Rail Services, GB Rail Freight, Freightliner Group, and Devon and Cornwall Railways.
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