The agreement marks a major milestone in the digitalisation of rail freight and reinforces the long-standing partnership between the two companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, VTG Rail UK has committed to purchasing a minimum of 2,000 wagon sets of FreightControl Sentinel technology by the end of 2029. The systems will be installed on both new-build and retrofitted wagons, having secured all necessary approvals to operate in service on the UK rail network.
The FreightControl Sentinel system has now received independent safety approval for new-build iWagons - a key milestone towards full operational deployment on the UK rail network. This approval reflects the rigorous risk management process led by VTG and Knorr-Bremse, confirming compliance with the Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment.
The partnership represents a significant commercial opportunity - forecast to reach up to £40 million - and positions both companies at the forefront of the UK’s digital freight transformation. In addition to technology supply, the agreement encompasses the joint development of future product generations, shared digital data insights, and co-ordinated industry engagement.
Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, said: “We are delighted to sign this exclusive framework agreement with VTG Rail UK. It represents a strong endorsement of FreightControl Sentinel and the wider digital freight solutions we are bringing to market. Together with VTG, we are not only delivering innovative hardware and software, but also redefining how data can enhance operations, safety, and efficiency across the UK rail freight sector.”
The agreement further reinforces the iWagon’s position as a game-changing innovation in UK rail freight. The first wagons fitted with the FreightControl Sentinel system entered service in April 2025, marking a major milestone. VTG Rail UK has since received additional orders for both new-build and retrofit iWagons from customers which will begin to enter service before the end of the year.
Nigel Day, Business Improvement Director at VTG Rail UK, said: “This agreement is a milestone in our mission to modernise the UK rail freight fleet. FreightControl Sentinel is a core part of our iWagon platform, giving our customers smarter, safer, and more efficient wagons. Our partnership with Knorr-Bremse builds on many years of collaboration and demonstrates our shared commitment to shaping the future of digital rail freight.”
FreightControl Sentinel combines real-time digital monitoring with anti-slide technology, providing instant supervision of braking system status and train integrity. By reducing the risk of wheel and track damage, optimising maintenance schedules, and enhancing operational safety, the system delivers a step change in performance for the industry.
Sanjay Albert, Director of Engineering and Innovation at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, added: “This partnership reflects our strategy to expand beyond traditional on-train systems and deliver smart, scalable solutions across the rail ecosystem. Securing this agreement is a proud moment for our teams and a clear signal of our leadership in rail freight innovation.”