Aims to be regional leader in sustainable rail infrastructure
BERLIN, 24 September 2024 – Leading Malaysian integrated rolling stock and rail services company Hartasuma Sdn Bhd (“Hartasuma”) is accelerating its regional expansion, capitalizing on the transition to sustainable energy as well as rising investments into rail infrastructure across ASEAN. To position itself for the next phase of growth, Hartasuma has entered into two separate collaboration agreements with Australia’s leading rail and transit systems provider, Downer Group, and Indonesia’s PT Len Railway Systems (“PT LRS”), targeting a wide range of opportunities in ASEAN related to rail decarbonization and other rail-related projects.
On Tuesday, Hartasuma signed strategic association agreements with Downer Group and PT Len Railway Systems at the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at Innotrans 2024, the world’s largest railway industry exhibition. The signing ceremonies between Hartasuma’s Group Executive Director, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, Downer’s Chief Operating Officer of Rail & Transit Systems, Stephen Kakavas, and PT LRS’ Acting President Director, Helarius Agung Suryantoro, were witnessed by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Germany, H.E. Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin.
Downer Group is an expert in delivering whole-of-life asset management support and is the leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand. Its capabilities include rollingstock, infrastructure, rail systems, operation and maintenance, system integration, engineering innovations and digital and data solutions. The company designs, builds and maintains flagship rollingstock projects including the Waratah train fleet—Australia’s largest with 119 trains.
The agreement between Hartasuma and Downer brings the companies together for decarbonization initiatives, engineering innovations, and digital solutions. Hartasuma and Downer will also participate in best-practice sharing on diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives, leveraging best practices from Australia to improve female participation in Malaysia’s rail sector.
PT LRS is a subsidiary of PT LEN, Indonesia’s largest provider of railway applications and safety systems. Together, Hartasuma and PT LRS aim to collaborate on the development of rail subsystems including signaling, and to explore decarbonisation initiatives that promote hybrid rail technology. Hybrid rail systems typically combine diesel and electric drive systems to potentially reduce fuel consumption by 50%, compared to trains that rely exclusively on diesel.
“According to the International Energy Agency, rail is among the most energy-efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers. While rail carries 8% of the world’s passengers and 7% of global freight transport, it represents just 2% of total transport energy demand. Clearly, there is immense potential to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning cargo and passenger transport to rail and pursuing rail decarbonisation, said Tan Sri Ravindran Menon.
“While we are an established player in the Malaysian rail sector, we are now moving firmly ahead with our plans to expand across ASEAN. This is an exciting time for the regional rail industry, with international projects such as the Pan-Asia Railway as well as state-level projects across ASEAN including in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.
As we work towards expanding our footprint across ASEAN, we are excited to collaborate with Downer and PT LRS, two leaders in the railway industry. These partnerships will not only strengthen our capabilities in the hybrid locomotive segment, but also drive wider innovation in eco-friendly rail solutions across ASEAN. We are committed to pushing the envelope in sustainable rail infrastructure and positioning ourselves as a regional leader in this vital sector,” he added.
InnoTrans, the leading international trade fair for transport technology, is held biennially in Berlin, Germany. Innotrans 2024 will be held from 24 to 27 September and sees Hartasuma showcasing its range of capabilities, spanning railways and ropeways, engaging with fellow industry players and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
