George Kent forms consortium for HSR bid

The consortium says it would work to prepare a joint offer encompassing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M) for the purpose of this tender

(Berita Daily) –  George Kent (Malaysia) Bhd has joined forces with Siemens AG (Germany), Alstom (France), Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group) (Italy) and Porr AG (Austria) to form a consortium to bid for the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project.

In a joint statement today, the consortium said it would work to prepare a joint offer encompassing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M) for the purpose of this tender.

George Kent Chairman, Tan Kay Hock (pic), said the company had assembled a strong team and would be working together with experienced partners to deliver and maintain the safest and most reliable high-speed rail system in the world.

“We aim to facilitate technology transfer and maximise local content, resources and human capital in line with Malaysia’s aspiration of developing a resilient and vibrant rail industry,” he added.

Head of Siemens Mobility Asia Pacific, Michel Obadia, said the company was committed to technology transfer to both Malaysia and Singapore, while looking forward to continuing its partnership with both countries on this iconic project.

“With the help of our global network of recognised experts, we will be able to provide the most innovative technical solution for a comfortable and safe journey,” he added.

Alstom Asia-Pacific Senior Vice President, Jean-Francois Beaudoin, said with the company’s expertise in complex high-speed projects, it was keenly looking at the tender and seeking the best partnerships, locally and internationally, in offering the finest solution to Singapore and Malaysia.

The HSR project, announced in 2010, will connect Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru with Singapore, and has been slated for completion in 2026.