Friday the 18th of August saw Network Rail and the Dutch equivalent ProRail sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to continue their work together.

The collaboration has seen innovative work carried out over the past 5 years developing new technology and improvements such as the cab signalling system European Rail Traffic Management System Level 3 and Fibre Optic Acoustic Sensing.

The innovations created under the ongoing partnership will continue to see development, such as FOAS, which aims to progress into digital railway, asset management, measurement trains and embankment stability.

Robert Ampomah, Network Rail’s chief rail technology officer, said:

“Network Rail and ProRail are both dedicated to running more reliable railways for passengers and freight customers, and we share many of the same challenges and opportunities. As well as new tech, we already share information on trespassing, managing our assets and even the impact of how Artificial Intelligence can help improve the way we work.”

“Our focus is always to make journeys easier for customers and by sharing information we can check our findings against another operator, get a better spread of data and test our ideas on different infrastructure too.”

Karel van Gils, ProRail Director of Innovation and Technical Renewal said:

“ProRail and Network Rail have similar challenges in modernising and transforming their railway. Capacity needs to grow, whereas the railway systems and assets are ageing and workforces are scarce. Both Network Rail and ProRail are committed to digitising the railway systems as it will be key for a future-proof, interoperable and reliable, high-capacity railway. We will enhance each other’s efforts in the necessary research and development.”

Keith Allan, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, The Hague, said:

“I was delighted to host representatives from Network Rail and ProRail at the Ambassador’s Residence for the MoU signing. I wish the teams every success with their further technical exchange and cooperation. Another great example of the strength of the relationship between our two countries as North Sea Neighbours”.