Projects

An established and financially healthy Dutch company is interested in expanding its innovative vehicle maintenance services to Scandinavia. Based on our contacts in the market, we performed a market scan that led to an evaluation of the amenity of the market and what a good entry strategy could be (autonomous growth, acquisition, partnerships), including several do's and don'ts.

A leasing company owns a large number of locomotives that are in use at various operators in Germany. These locomotives do have ETCS and 25KV AC, but not the Dutch ATB or 1500 V DC systems. These operators aim to serve several border stations and the Betuweroute in the Netherlands without performing technical changes. We conducted a analysis of the legislative possibilities and risks, consulted authorities, and determined an admission strategy based on the legal frameworks, including the costs, timeline, and required activities.

‍

At the request of this customer, we joined a group of external senior experts and provided a final assessment of the quality and risk profile of the extensive and complex tender file in the field of train protection. This so-called gate review consisted of an analysis of the documents and a series of interviews with project staff. The gate review was the final step before the tender could be launched.

‍

We supported a major manufacturer with execution of a tender process. We were consulted on the bid strategy and the most appropriate technical solution(s). We then assessed quality and suitablity of multiple very diverse tender documents and adapted them where necessary.The assessment covered both highly complex technical topics (for example RAMS/LCC or certification) and process-related topics like project management. Also, more general aspects such as readability and conciseness of the documents was considered.

‍

We were closely involved in realizing the first locomotives on battery technology in the Netherlands. These locomotives enable sustainable shunting operations and replace very outdated and polluting diesel-powered locomotives. We mediated in the contracting between the manufacturer and a freight carrier. We came up with an ambitious but realistic technical specification in an iterative manner and monitored the development and certification.

‍

We contributed to the development of a new type of rail freight wagon for use across Western Europe. This car carries a combination of technologies from several other types of rolling stock. By matching the technical characteristics of the new wagon with European and national requirements in an in-depth analysis, we developed a cost effective strategy for obtaining type approval. This startegy was presented to national and European authorities in a pre-enagement procedure and subsequently implemented. Managing a Notified Body was an essential aspect of this assignment.

‍

A global company in cyber security services asked for our support. After strong growth in the automotive industry, they target the rail industry. We investigated which opportunities the rail sector could offer and when to expect revenues. We took a close look at the competitive landscape and identied barriers for entry they would encounter along the way. Our research led to a market entry strategy that is currently executed with our ongoing support. We support tenders and implementation of rail projects.

‍

We monitor relevant market developments and periodically discuss potentially interesting projects and market opportunities for a major manufacturer from Asia. This ambitious party is not yet active in the field of rolling stock in Europe, and is  on the lookout for the right first project.

A major bus operator asked for help in replacing its entire diesel fleet with zero-emission vehicles within 5 years. We developed a program plan and supervised the execution. Partly based on our advice, technical choices were made, tenders were issued and an implementation program was set up and implemented. An important part of the assignment was to draw up the businesscases and obtaining financing and subsidies. Involving intensive collaboration with the company's organisation, the local authorities and the franchise provider.