Alliance Partners

Through the HBS Consortium, we have established strategic alliances with some of Japan’s leading rail and engineering corporations, including Hitachi Rail, Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing, Nippon Sharyo, Japan Transport Engineering Company, and Sumitomo Corporation.

These alliances are focused on developing and delivering a comprehensive Rail Systems Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) program for Papua New Guinea, integrating global expertise to achieve a unified and productive national transport network.

Our collaborative approach brings together Japan’s most advanced rail industry leaders to package a fixed-size, multi-use freight and passenger system — cross-utilising each partner’s specialised strengths to create a collective outcome that benefits Papua New Guinea’s people, economy, and future development.

Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail is a global leader in the rail industry, specialising in rolling stock, signalling, digital solutions, and integrated transport systems. With more than 24,000 employees across 50 countries, Hitachi Rail provides technology transfer, training, and development opportunities for Papua New Guinean nationals, ensuring local participation in specialised employment and education programs. This partnership supports the creation of a safe, efficient, and modern transportation system for Papua New Guinea.

Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing

Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing is renowned for establishing and operating advanced railcar production facilities, with its most recent setup located in the United States. In addition to manufacturing, Kawasaki provides construction and tunnelling engineering equipment to secure design and technical obligations for complex rail infrastructure projects. This ensures Papua New Guinea’s rail systems are fully connected and meet international construction standards.

Nippon Sharyo

Nippon Sharyo has an outstanding track record, having manufactured over 1,000 passenger rail cars in the United States and employing more than 400 staff in its operations. Similar manufacturing systems are proposed for Papua New Guinea, bringing next-generation bi-level passenger trains designed to boost tourism, alongside modern freight car solutions to support agricultural and industrial productivity.

Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC)

Formerly known as Tokyu Car Corporation, Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) developed the 2020 series of stainless-steel, four-door trains used for the Tokyo Olympics. Their development capacity extends beyond passenger systems to include freight container trains, bulk carriers, and fuel tankers, ensuring Papua New Guinea’s future transport network can efficiently handle freight, logistics, and fuel distribution with advanced safety and performance standards.

Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation delivers advanced power infrastructure solutions, providing off-grid technologies to independently power all rail operations in Papua New Guinea. These technologies include natural gas, LNG, and other gas-related energy systems that ensure continuous operation without disruption.

Sumitomo’s off-grid power hubs can be strategically partnered with landowners in undeveloped gas field regions, allowing local communities to benefit from infrastructure investment. These hubs can also expand into regional energy supply networks, offering sustainable power solutions that serve both the rail system and surrounding communities across Papua New Guinea.

Collaborative Development & Funding

Our alliance is designed to deliver a complete and sustainable rail system for Papua New Guinea through the combined expertise of our Japanese partners.

The HBS Consortium will present the full feasibility proposal to key merchant infrastructure and commercial financial institutions, outlining the terms and conditions of funding. During this stage, we will invite executive government representatives from the Department of Transportation to participate in the funding presentation and support the final review and NEC endorsement process for project implementation.

A United Vision for Papua New Guinea

Together with our Japanese alliance partners, the HBS Consortium is committed to creating a modern, efficient, and self-sustaining national rail network that connects communities, boosts trade and tourism, and delivers long-term economic growth for Papua New Guinea.