Rail freight

Supporting rail freight's evolvution to a durable, high capacity offer responsive to the needs of the market.

We help operators, fleet owners and vehicle manufacturers provide a rail freight service that is fit for the needs of the 21st century.

Our capabilities extend from vehicle and component design to  procurement support, decarbonisation strategies, movement of dangerous goods protocols, and real-time asset condition monitoring technologies to enhance maintenance programmes

And in every instance, we bring the systems engineering principles and sound engineering processes that ensures new innovations are seamlessly integrated into the wider rail system.

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Projects

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Etihad Rail Safety Assessment

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Saudi Arabia Railways Locomotive Maintenance Plans

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Saudi Arabia Railways Enterprise Risk Management

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How we can help you

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Independent Assurance

Whether assessing new products against international standards such as EN 50126 or supporting the construction of entire railways, we offer a broad portfolio of independent assurance services via Ricardo Certification, an independent business within the Ricardo group.

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Operations and Maintenance

Our team enables railway operators and maintainers to make informed data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency, extend asset life and optimise maintenance strategies. 

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Systems Engineering and Integration

We partner with Railway OEMs and suppliers to provide systems engineering and integration expertise, helping to ensure projects are seamlessly integrated into the wider rail network.

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Technical Advisory

Whether you are looking to develop new regional transport plans, introduce low-emission technologies or procure new fleets, we bridge the divide between core engineering disciplines and the economic and environmental challenges of rail transport.

Why choose Ricardo

Within our teams are experts who know your expectations, but also understand the rail industry’s structures and idiosyncrasies, its complex system interfaces, and the global standards and local practices that underpin day-to-day operations.

Our role is to bring the expertise you need to fully exploit the commercial opportunities of moving freight consignments by rail, whilst navigating its well-documented operational, commercial and regulatory challenges.

Clients include:

  • Canadian National Railway
  • Stadler
  • Etihad Rail
  • Saudi Arabia Railways

Choosing Ricardo as your technical partner

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Global perspectives

Our international network of offices and technical centres supports the transfer of skills and experience from one region of the world to the next.

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Whole-system mindset

We will help your teams apply systematic processes so that your engineering projects deliver a positive contribution to the wider rail system.

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Collaborative approach

We add value by working alongside your teams in an open and constructive partnership, offering balanced and insightful perspectives on the bigger picture.

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An industry voice

Our experts are leading contributors to the international committees, working groups and professional forums that define the rail industry’s technical standards.

Other rail systems supported by Ricardo

We have brought our expertise to transit systems throughout the world - including metro, light rail, trams and people mover systems - providing support ranging from initial route planning and cost-benefit assessments to shadow operation services.

Learn more about our Urban Transit support.

On any given day, our teams are providing operators with data analytics to improve operational resilience, helping infrastructure managers increase capacity with intelligent control systems, or working with the supply chain to provide the building blocks of a low-carbon, energy-efficient railway.

Learn about how we support Conventional Rail systems.

Since our appointment to provide Independent Verification and Validation services during the construction of Taiwan’s high speed rail system in 1996, we have continued to support the safe introduction of high-speed railways throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Learn about our expertise in High-speed rail.

Speak to an expert