Freightliner to commence Industry-First ETCS Locomotive Retrofit

Freightliner has partnered with Siemens Mobility for a pioneering project to equip its Class 66V locomotive, 66591, with the European Train Control System (ETCS). This marks a significant milestone for the industry, as Freightliner will become the first operator to retrofit a locomotive with ETCS in-house.

The partnership hopes the introduction of the ETCS technology will enhance network reliability, ultimately facilitating the shift of freight from roads to rail as the industry continues its push towards 75% of volume of freight moved by rail by 2050.

This project holds significance as it paves the way for hundreds of freight locomotives to be equipped with ETCS. Freightliner currently has a fleet of just over 100 66/5s, the largest locomotive class in its UK fleet which could potentially be fitted with ETCS in the future. Notably, many of these locomotives will be crucial for the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which is currently readying the east coast mainline for ETCS and providing a foundational initiative for the nationwide rollout of digital rail signalling.

Euan Rideout, ERTMS Lead Engineer at Freightliner commented:  “Collaboration is at the heart of the process. We will be keen to share learnings throughout the fitment process with colleagues on the East Coast Digital Programme. This presents a great opportunity for collective learning and enhancing the way we fit future classes of locomotive.”

Another industry first is that Freightliner will independently install the ETCS components on its locomotive at its Leeds Midland Road Vehicle Maintenance Facility.  While the fitment team will receive ongoing support from both Freightliner's ERTMS engineers and the Siemens Mobility team.

"We are excited about this continued collaboration," said Matt Kent, director of operations for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. "We are confident that our combined expertise will ensure a smooth fitment process for the Class 66V locomotive. Ultimately, this retrofitting of digital signalling equipment will transform rail travel and bring significant societal benefits."

The project is scheduled to commence in June 2024.