GEORGE KENT, 4 FIRMS TIE UP FOR HSR BID
Partnership with 4 European firms to bid for AssetsCo role
GEORGE Kent (Malaysia) Bhd has joined forces with four European companies to bid for the role of assets company (AssetsCo) for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.
According to a stock exchange filing yesterday, George Kent and Austrian construction and infrastructure company PORR, Siemens, Alstom and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group) had agreed to form a consortium to bid for the AssetsCo role.
The companies will work to prepare a joint offer encompassing engineering, procurement and construction and operations and maintenance works.
George Kent chairman Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock said it had assembled a strong team to deliver and maintain the safest and most reliable HSR system in the world.
“We aim to facilitate technology transfer and maximise the local content, resources and human capital, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration of developing a resilient and vibrant rail industry,” he said.
George Kent said the partnership would result in a team combining European technology and local expertise.
“The consortium brings together manufacturers Siemens and Alstom, with decades of technology leadership and excellence in delivering complex cross-border HSR projects.”
FS Group has expertise in railway operation and a vast global footprint, while PORR is a highly experienced track work provider offering state-of-the-art slab track technology.
Alstom Asia-Pacific senior vice-president Jean-Francois Beaudoin said the company had been keenly looking at the tender and seeking the best partnerships to offer the finest solution to Singapore and Malaysia.
“I believe we have a powerful and competent team to address this tender, with the best of European rail companies and George Kent as our local partner,” he said.
Siemens Mobility Asia Pacific head Michel Obadia said the HSR was a groundbreaking project that would prosper millions of Malaysians and Singaporeans.
“Siemens is a trusted partner for both countries, having contributed to their vital infrastructure development for many years. We have also been committed to technology transfer to both countries, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with this iconic project.”
FS Group international markets executive vice-president Filippo Scotti said the strategic project would bring a leap forward in the economic and social development of Malaysia and Singapore.
“We are honoured to contribute to it through our consortium, which includes the best players in the industry, and proud to bring large technological and innovation experience and expertise in the rail and mobility industry.”