MASTERIS signs a new contract with Eurostar

Equipping E300 trainsets with the new European signaling system

By December 31, 2025, all trains operating in Belgium must be equipped with the ETCS (European Train Control System). To standardize safety systems and ensure equipment interoperability between European countries, the ETCS has been gradually deployed across various national rail networks since the 2010s.

Currently, Eurostar trains operating the London-Brussels route use the TBL1+ standard. On October 4, 2022, Eurostar signed a contract with MASTERIS to equip its entire E300 fleet with the ETCS by early 2028 to comply with the new European standard.

What is the ETCS?

The European Train Control System (ETCS) is an innovative railway signaling and speed control system. It is a component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), which will eventually replace the various national signaling systems used across European rail networks, including the TBL1+ system in Belgium. This single, standardized system is designed to facilitate easier interoperability for rolling stock on cross-border routes in Europe.

A unique collaboration between MASTERIS and the Belgian group SNCB

The Eurostar London-Brussels line consists of 8 E300 trainsets. These are currently equipped with the TBL1+ system, which must be replaced by the new ETCS standard. To fulfill this contract, a multidisciplinary MASTERIS-SNCF team—comprising engineering, procurement for parts, and project managers—will oversee the integration, installation, and interfacing of the new system with the trains. The schedule is divided into 3 phases to ensure the entire fleet is equipped by 2028.

A key milestone in phase 2 was reached in early June with the completion of modifications to the prototype trainset by SNCB teams. Following the series tests required to return the train to service, the project is entering its qualification testing phase, which is necessary to obtain market authorization (AMM). This is expected in September 2025. After this date, the remaining 7 trainsets and one spare power car will be modified one by one by our industrial partner.

This contract also lays the foundation for a brand-new collaboration between MASTERIS and the SNCB. For the first time, the industrial execution will take place in SNCB workshops rather than an SNCF technical center. The sites selected for equipment installation are the Forest High-Speed Maintenance technical center south of Brussels and the SNCB industrial technical center in Salzinnes. Throughout the contract period, the SNCB will benefit from the support and assistance of SNCF teams.

‍

‍

The project team

‍At MASTERIS - Jason MAVINDI & Mathieu FAMY

At SNCF - Saïd KEZADRI

The Eurostar Project Team

‍

Deployment stages through 2028

‍

‍

‍