ECORYS has been involved in the feasibility study for the high speed rail network in Portugal. Our involvement concerns several activities: assessments for the socio-economic cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the link between Lisbon and Porto, assistance in applying for European Funds for the project, and advice on the procurement strategy. These activities have been carried out on behalf of the Tyco/Holland Railconsult consortium for the Portuguese High Speed Rail Organisation (RAVE SA).

Besides the CBA, the actual financing of the project is another important aspect of the feasibility study. Portugal’s gross domestic product is below the threshold applicable for eligibility for European Structural Funds. But the project can still be co-financed by European Funds, notably the Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. It is also possible to apply for part of the TEN-T budget as managed by DG TREN. This last source would be in the form of a loan from the European Investment Bank. It should be noted that substantial Portuguese public financial resources are needed as well.

ECORYS has advised the client on how to apply for the above-mentioned European Funds, and what information is needed for an application. ECORYS has also advised the client’s financial adviser on different procurement strategies. The expertise gained in the Dutch projects: a high speed link from Amsterdam to Paris (HSL-Zuid) and a link from Amsterdam to North of Netherlands (Zuiderzeelijn) formed the basis of this assistance.

Client: RAVE S.A.