Overview
With an annual turnover in excess of A$8 billion and employing approximately 75,000 people, the Australian railway industry is one of the most modern and sophisticated in the world in terms of construction and consultancy services. With a worldwide reputation and established export market, Australian companies are now exporting millions of dollars of products and services.
Having adapted to Australia’s unique environment, the Australian railway industry is renowned for its innovative engineering solutions in combating a variety of physical, economic and technical challenges.
Qualities such as these have contributed to established export markets in South America and South East Asia and major project wins across the globe such as track construction associated with the Taiwan High Speed JV; track construction, Automatic Fare Collection, signalling and passenger vehicle maintenance projects in Hong Kong; and simulation technology into the UK. These projects are now used as a market reference for establishing new markets including Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
Manufactured products including specialised rolling stock, passenger vehicle ventilation systems, security systems and sound and vibration mitigation systems have also been installed in multiple markets around the globe.
Source: Australian Railway Industry Corporation.
What are the key opportunities?
Export opportunities in the Australian rail industry cut across all sectors of the industry. In particular, Australia is recognised globally for the following products and services:
Heavy haul railways
Australia has established a worldwide reputation for the development of heavy haul railways. Its own single-line networks carry some of the world’s heaviest and longest freight trains where diesel-electric locomotives haul in excess of 130 million tonnes of iron ore every year. In Queensland, over 120 million tonnes of coal is hauled annually over their electrified system.
Collaborative R&D
There is international demand for Australia's research and development services. Past achievements and collaborative breakthroughs include:
- Wheel-rail interface developments, particularly wheel grinding techniques trialled throughout Australia and Hong Kong
- Ultrasonic and stress testing in rails
- Computer simulations, particularly train path simulations
- Signalling for automatic train protection and control systems
- Head hardened rail to lengthen the life of heavily loaded rails
Light rail systems
Australia is renowned for its technological expertise and installation of light rail systems with Australian companies having completed projects in Hong Kong and Dublin. International companies need look no further than Australia for demonstration of the industry’s capabilities. Melbourne’s light rail network covers 236km of street and reserved-track lines, and operates 800 cars over more than 40 routes. This 1435mm gauge system, which is fully integrated with Melbourne’s heavy railway and bus service, is the largest and most economical network of its type in the developed world.
Leading edge technology
Australia is known for its leading edge technology and exports innovative products and services such as:
- High-speed bogie design for passenger and freight trains
- Computer information, technology for rail signalling, ticketing and training
- Cost control and planning systems
- Dry brake fuelling systems; pollution control environmental systems: carriage cleaning systems
- Simulators for driver training and train operating
- Optical techniques for monitoring rail conditions, and measuring rail head wear
Source: Australian Railway Industry Corporation
Where are the key opportunities?
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for the Australian rail industry include:
- China
- Hong Kong
- Latin America
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the railway industry at the end of this overview.
How can we help you?
With a network of over 140 overseas locations in more than 60 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 and ask for the Industry Specialist – Rail or email info@austrade.gov.au
Useful contacts
Government contacts
Export, Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) – www.efic.gov.au
Department of Transport and Regional Services – www.dotars.gov.au
General industry contacts
Australian Railway Industry Corporation (ARIC) – www.aric.net.au
Railway Technical Society of Australia (RTSA) – www.rtsa.com.au
Last updated: 12 Jul 2007
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