Akiem has supplied SNCF Réseau with modern Vossloh Rolling Stock DE18 locomotives to be used in the maintenance of both classic and high-speed rail lines. In the latest agreement, it will install ERTMS standards on these locomotives, aiming to prepare for the upcoming changes in the French railway system over the next 15 years.
This initiative focuses on implementing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), to unify command and signaling systems by replacing older national systems that are not intercompatible, improve the safety level of railway operations, and increase line capacity by optimizing train spacing.
The implementation of ERTMS in the locomotives has been validated by the EPSF (Etablissement public de sécurité ferroviaire), following the successful integration of the ERTMS module by VOSSLOH, supplied by Alstom.
Furthermore, it has been announced that out of the 44 locomotives to be upgraded, the first two are currently undergoing retrofitting in France by IMATEQ this week. The remaining locomotives are scheduled for updates in the following months, aligning with the project's goal to enhance the operational capabilities and safety of the railway system.
