HPMV project: MASTERIS supports the admission of BB60000 to the Marseille—Ventimiglia line

As part of the High Performance Marseille—Ventimiglia (HPMV) project, MASTERIS acts as a Project Management Assistant (AMOA) alongside SNCF Voyageurs Matériel and on behalf of SNCF Réseau, in order to allow the admission of BB60000 locomotives to this strategic axis. This project aims to modernize the line in preparation for the arrival of the system. ERTMS Level 2 by 2028.

A technical and strategic challenge: to make the BB60000 operate on an international line

The Marseille-Ventimiglia line has a unique specificity: although it is managed by the SNCF Group, it crosses a few kilometers of Italian territory. However, the BB60000 locomotives (assigned to network maintenance missions) were never authorized to operate there.

This situation represents a major challenge: without these locomotives, maintenance operations cannot be ensured, putting the continuous operation of the line at risk. Hence the need to conduct an admission process allowing these locomotives to circulate in Italy.

The HPMV project: preparing the line for ERTMS Level 2

The HPMV program provides for the gradual equipment of the Marseille-Ventimiglia line with ERTMS Level 2 from 2028. This European standard aims to harmonize rail signalling and improve network performance.

Ultimately, any autonomous rolling stock on this line must be compatible with this level of signaling. This is why the BB60000 will be equipped with an ERTMS/KVB bi-standard system, in order to ensure their transition to the new standard while remaining compatible with the existing one.

Three Authorization Phases for the BB60000

The BB60000 admission project consists of three main stages:

1. Phase 0: modification of the existing authorization up to the Ventimiglia border point for unmodified gear.
2. Phase 1: authorization for locomotives equipped with ERTMS Level 1 + KVB, upon receipt of the first two production vehicles.
3. Phase 2: ERTMS Level 2 authorization on the pilot section (Cannes—Grasse) and up to Ventimiglia.

Today, the contract managed by MASTERIS covers The phases 0 and 1.

MASTERIS, a key player in admission

In this complex project, MASTERIS plays a central role in supporting the certification and driving authorization procedures for BB60000 in France and Italy.

Its missions include:

• The collection of test reports and technical evidence.
• The definition and monitoring of a detailed production plan.
• Coordination with independent evaluators to ensure regulatory compliance and safety

Thanks to this mobilization, the BB60000 will be able to, For the first time, circulate on Italian territory, thus ensuring their access to the Ventimiglia International Station.

A major deadline: end of contract expected in 2027

The finalization of the project is scheduled for End of 2027, by which time the BB60000 should be fully operational along the entire Marseilles — Ventimiglia route.

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