DB Cargo UK has contracted with Siemens Mobility to fit Class 66 locomotives with the new European Train Control System (ETCS). Work will begin in July to fit the new in-cab signalling system to nine Class 66 locomotives, all owned by DB Cargo UK. The work will be undertaken at the DB Cargo Toton Traction Maintenance Depot in the English East Midlands.
The work, which is scheduled to be completed in March 2026, is the first phase of a national programme. It will eventually equip all of DB Cargo’s Class 66 diesel locomotives. ETCS is part of the rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in the UK. DB Cargo has already participated in a “first-in-class” trial with one of its locomotives.
Successful first-in-class fitment
The initial roll-out of ERTMS is being delivered by the £1.4bn (€1.7bn) East Coast Digital Programme, overseen by the UK government’s infrastructure agency, Network Rail. The programme will see traditional lineside signals replaced by the new digital in-cab technology. Rail freight operations will benefit from better use of capacity on the line, potentially making more paths available for trains and helping meet commitments made to increase rail freight overall within the UK.
Siemens Mobility is the East Coast Digital Programme’s chosen partner, responsible for designing, integrating and installing its Trainguard 200 Onboard unit onto freight locomotives. “Siemens Mobility is playing a key role to transform rail travel and transport for freight users,” said Rob Morris, who oversees rail infrastructure for Siemens Mobility. “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.”
Experience with the Class 66 design
Successful integration of the ETCS equipment into the Class 66 fleet is vital to the success of ERTMS in Britain. With over 450 of the EMD-built units in service, the locomotive class is critical to rail freight operations in the UK. “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,” said Jon Harman, DB Cargo UK’s Head of Asset Management and Maintenance.
DB Cargo UK has plenty of experience with the Class 66 locomotive design. Across their operations, they run around 150 examples. The Doncaster-based company also recently opened a training facility at their Doncaster headquarters, complete with a highly realistic simulator of a ’66 cab. “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,” said Jon Harman.
Mobilisation work has already begun
There is a forecasted need for greater capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and other routes, with the UK government mandating an overall increase in rail freight traffic of 75 per cent by 2050. “This significant investment in the Class 66 locomotive is a further advancement towards securing the long-term growth of our sector,” added Jon.
Mobilisation work has 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. “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,” concluded Jon.