Siemens Eurosprinter Locomotives Receive Approval for Latest ETCS Baseline Upgrade by European Union Agency for Railways

Published on November 16, 2025

Siemens Mobility has successfully obtained type authorisation from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for the upgrade of its Eurosprinter ES64F4 locomotives to meet the latest European safety and interoperability standard, ETCS Baseline 3.4. This approval is a significant step forward in the locomotive’s ability to facilitate more efficient and harmonised cross-border operations across Europe.

The upgrade project, which began in December 2020, involved retrofitting the locomotives with the Atlas ETCS system. After extensive testing and validation at Siemens’ Munich Allach plant in Germany, the prototype conversions were completed after 16 months of development. The successful application for type authorisation was submitted to the ERA last December, and this approval marks a major milestone for Siemens in securing the long-term deployment of the Eurosprinter fleet on key European freight corridors.

Boosting Cross-Border Rail Operations with ETCS Baseline 3.4

The introduction of ETCS Baseline 3.4 ensures that Siemens’ Eurosprinter locomotives are fully compliant with the latest European Union standards for safety and interoperability. This upgrade will significantly enhance cross-border rail operations, enabling smoother, more efficient movement of freight across Europe.

The implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient train services across national borders. With ETCS Baseline 3.4, the locomotives can now operate seamlessly across multiple countries, offering greater flexibility and reducing operational costs for freight operators.

A Long-Standing Legacy of Reliability and Innovation

Since their introduction in the early 2000s, more than 250 Eurosprinter locomotives have been delivered to various operators across Europe. These locomotives, which are predecessors to Siemens’ Vectron platform, were specifically designed for cross-border operations and are known for their long-term reliability.

Steffen Bobsien, Vice President of Locomotives and Passenger Coaches at Siemens Mobility, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting its locomotives and customers for decades. “We support our locomotives and customers for decades, ensuring long-term reliability and smooth cross-border operation,” he said.

The Eurosprinter locomotives currently operate across a wide range of European countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Their new ETCS Baseline 3.4 upgrade will further improve their ability to operate efficiently across these countries and beyond.

The Path Forward: Siemens Mobility’s Commitment to Innovation

The successful approval of Siemens’ Eurosprinter locomotives for ETCS Baseline 3.4 is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and improving the efficiency of cross-border rail operations across Europe. As European railways continue to evolve with technological advancements, Siemens Mobility is poised to remain at the forefront of providing high-quality, interoperable locomotives that meet the ever-growing demands of the freight sector.

This approval also highlights the growing importance of safety and interoperability standards in the European rail network. The implementation of ETCS Baseline 3.4 will further ensure that Siemens Mobility’s locomotives can continue to serve the needs of freight operators across Europe for years to come.

Conclusion: Enhancing Freight Transport Across Europe

With the ERA’s approval of Siemens Mobility’s Eurosprinter locomotives for ETCS Baseline 3.4, Siemens is ensuring that its fleet remains at the cutting edge of European rail transport. This development is a critical step in improving cross-border freight operations, contributing to safer, more efficient, and sustainable rail services across Europe. As Siemens continues to lead innovation in rail technology, the upgraded Eurosprinter locomotives will play an essential role in supporting the future of Europe’s freight transport network.