Deployment of ETCS Baseline 3 On Board Units on 109 HLD77 Locomotives

ongoing

This project deploys European Train Control System (ETCS) On Board Units (as part of the European Rail Traffic Management System, ERTMS) on existing class HLD77 freight locomotives. The system will become compulsory in Belgium beyond the deadline of 14 December 2025. The Belgian rail freight operator Lineas NV operates 109 of the HLD77 vehicle type, owned by Beacon Rail Finance S.à r.l along two EU Core Network Corridors (North Sea-Baltic, North Sea-Rhine Mediterranean) in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The retrofitting of these 109 locomotives with ERTMS compliant with the latest Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) is being carried out by the developer of the prototype TheSignallingCompany (TSC) on behalf of Beacon/Lineas. As a supplier of ETCS onboard solutions, TSC is responsible for the prototyping process and will supply the ETCS hardware and software. TSC brings an entirely new market dynamic, making the European market for railway safety equipment much more competitive and innovative. The overall objective is to contribute to the removal of interoperable railway barriers and enable smooth freight train operations for international traffic flows. This ERTMS project will help increase the capacity, performance and competitiveness of the railways, thereby contributing to a more balanced modal distribution and reducing the negative environmental impact generated by the different modes of transport. The project adds value to the EU by contributing to the completion on the single European competitive market. By splitting hardware and software implementation, a major boost to the competitiveness and the overall attractiveness of the sector is given setting a whole new standard and business.