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ERTMS

ERTMS is a standardized signaling and train control system designed to harmonize railway operations across Europe.

Transport efficiencyTrains

Introduction

ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) is a standardized signaling and train control system designed to harmonize railway operations across Europe. It improves interoperability between national rail networks, allowing trains to operate efficiently across borders. Because of this, ERTMS contributes to the rail connection to the hinterland becoming more efficient and reliable. European legislation requires the complete TENT-T to have ERTMS in 2050.

Value proposition

  • Enhances interoperability across European rail networks

    Enabling seamless cross-border rail operations

  • Improves safety through advanced train control technologies

    Ensuring more secure and reliable operations

  • Improves operational performance by optimizing train movements with real-time data

    Reducing delays and increasing network capacity

  • Lowers costs by harmonizing systems

    reducing the need for redundant equipment and maintenance

  • ERTMS supports compliance with EU requirements

    as TEN-T core, extended and comprehensive networks are obliged to incorporate the system by 2030, 2040 and 2050 respectively

ERTMS enhances interoperability across European rail networks. It improves safety through advanced train control technologies, ensuring more secure and reliable operations. By optimizing train movements with real-time data, it improves operational performance, reduces delays, and increases network capacity. It lowers costs by harmonizing systems and reducing the need for redundant equipment and maintenance. The benefits of ERTM will fully materialize only after there is a complete roll-out of the system. The different networks of TEN-T are obliged to incorporate ERTMS with different horizons: the core network in 2030, the extended network by 2040 and the comprehensive network by 2050.

Port applicability

Applicable to ports with railway access.

Groups of innovations

  • European Train Control System (ETCS)

    Supervises train movements, including stopping the train, based on maximum permitted speeds

  • Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-R)

    Facilitates communication between trains and traffic control centers

  • Operating rules

    ERTMS/ETCS consists of different levels, which define how train control and communication are implemented, allowing railway administrations to choose the most suitable configuration for their infrastructure and operational needs per area.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
International cooperationLarge impact
Ensures seamless communication and compatibility among European railway systems once fully implemented EU-wide.
SafetyMedium impact
Integrates advanced train control features, such as automated speed monitoring and emergency braking, to enhance overall railway safety standards.
Lower energy consumptionLimited impact
The system increases the operational performance, by providing real-time information, leading to decreased energy usage.
Digital port ecosystemVery large impact
By incorporating technologies such as real-time data monitoring and predictive maintenance, performance and reliability of railway is improved.
Railway capacity and efficiencyMedium impact
ERTMS increases efficiency and enables reduction of the headway between trains, increasing capacity on the network.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Standards & regulationEnabler

    ERTMS is the European standard, aiming to harmonize the railway system in Europe.

  • Stakeholder interactionEnabler

    The successful deployment of ERTMS depends on effective collaboration between multiple stakeholders. Strong alignment can accelerate implementation and maximize benefits, while fragmented responsibilities and conflicting priorities may lead to delays and increased complexity.

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    Implementation and adjustments of material and digital systems require large investments.

  • TimeBarrier

    Renewal and adjustment of the railway systems take a long time.

  • Stakeholder interactionBarrier

    The successful deployment of ERTMS depends on effective collaboration between multiple stakeholders. Strong alignment can accelerate implementation and maximize benefits, while fragmented responsibilities and conflicting priorities may lead to delays and increased complexity.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Define national rollout strategy and planning

    Railway administration

  2. Step 2

    Choose ERMTS level and make a system design

    Railway administration

  3. Step 3

    Stakeholder alignment

    Railway administration

  4. Step 4

    Install trackside infrastructure and onboard equipment

    Railway infrastructure manager & Railway undertaking

  5. Step 5

    Testing and certify safety

    Railway infrastructure manager & Railway undertaking

  6. Step 6

    Operation

    Railway administration

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of ERTMS.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

Port authorities have limited ability to act on ERTMS, as its implementation is largely outside their direct control and primarily driven by national railway infrastructure managers and government policies.

Investment overview

Capex include the implementation of the ERTMS-systems on the tracks and in the trains, the adjustment of IT-systems, security process adjustments and the training of drivers and dispatchers.

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white are enabling.

Knowledge base