Siemens-HLG team wins $412m Qatar contract
Doha, August 2, 2012
A consortium comprising Siemens and Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) has been awarded a QR1.5 billion ($412 million) contract for the design, construction, installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of a new People Mover System in Qatar.
The system is for Doha’s Education City for Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).
HLG (operating as Leighton Contracting Qatar) is part of the Siemens Tram Consortium with Siemens Doha and Siemens AG from Germany. HLG’s component of the project is worth QR450 million ($124 million), said a HLG statement.
The project will be the first operating rail transport system in Qatar and it represents the start of the country’s US$35 billion investment in rail infrastructure over the next 10 years as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup infrastructure program.
The People Mover System is designed to reduce the flow of traffic within Education City by allowing students to park their cars in purpose-built multi-storey carparks and travel free of charge on a battery-powered tram system to their destination within Education City.
HLG’s scope of works incorporates the design and construction of track-work, tram-stops and the depot facility which includes maintenance workshops and administration buildings, the statement said.
HLG CEO and managing director Laurie Voyer said the new project fits with the group’s strategy of pursuing infrastructure work outside its traditionally largest market of the UAE.
“Our strategy has been to focus on infrastructure projects where we have a clear competitive advantage. Rail is a key element of this strategy,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be given the responsibility for the design and construction of one of Qatar’s first rail projects, and we look forward to demonstrating our rail expertise in what will be one of the world’s largest rail markets over the next decade.
“By successfully delivering this project, we will place ourselves in an ideal position to secure additional work as part of the Doha Metro,” he said.
“Qatar is a key market for us. This project confirms our status as one of the largest and most established contractors operating in the country.
“We have been operating in Qatar for more than six years, employ over 6,000 people across the country and have completed a range of large-scale infrastructure and building projects for both the private and public sector.
“We have placed considerable effort into securing repeat work for reputable clients to whom we have demonstrated our ability to deliver large, complex projects. QF is one such client. This project continues our strong relationship with QF, for whom we have delivered the world-class Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy in Doha,” he said.
The project will commence immediately and be completed in September 2015. – TradeArabia News Service
