VTG gets ECM certified

Germany-headquartered rail logistics provider VTG announces that it has become the first company to receive Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) certification from the Germany Federal Railway Authority. Under the ECM scheme, which is being phased in across EU member states, all rail freight wagons will be assigned ECM-certified maintenance management providers to insure that wagons meet certain standards for safety and operability across EU rail networks. With VTG’s ECM certification from the Germany Federal Railway Authority achieved, the company says it now plans to obtain further certification in accord with the broader EU scheme. 

“We are pleased about the certification from the Federal Railway Authority,” says VTG. “The certification by the Federal Railway Authority verifies that the system of quality and safety management we have long had in place meets the increased requirements. The mandatory set of European rules is to be introduced in future. From June 1, 2013, every freight wagon will have to be maintained by an ECM that has successfully undergone the required certification process. In a pilot study, VTG and the Federal Railway Authority gathered initial basic experience for the future certification process. In addition to a range of different management processes, they also addressed and appraised a large number of technical issues. To meet the requirements of the Federal Railway Authority, VTG has created a new manual for maintenance management based on the existing quality management manual. This new manual sets out all processes clearly.

“With this certification from the Federal Railway Authority, we have successfully brought to a conclusion a long collaborative pilot study with one of the leading European railway authorities. However, there are some problematic issues such as the increased time required, along with internal and external costs and the constant introduction of new rules. These factors can quickly negate the successes achieved in terms of the liberalisation and harmonisation of European rail freight traffic.”

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