Hitachi Rail selected under Infraestruturas de Portugal public tender to develop and certify a new STM for the Portuguese market
The new STM will strengthen supply chain resilience, support ERTMS migration and expand interoperable rail operations across Portugal.
- New Specific Transmission Module (STM) will support the phased migration of Portugal’s rail network from the national automatic train protection system to ETCS Level 2, in line with the country’s implementation roadmap.
- During the transition phase, trains will operate with ETCS and STM onboard, ensuring continuity of operations while the network progresses towards full ETCS deployment.
- The development of the new STM for Portugal will diversify the supply chain; reduce dependence on a single supplier; foster a more competitive and resilient market for operators, maintainers, and future rolling stock programmes.
Paço de Arcos, Portugal – Following the conclusion of a public international tender procedure launched by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop and certify a new External ERTMS Specific Transmission Module (STM) for the Portuguese market.
This award marks the second STM developed for the Portuguese rail system and represents an important step in supporting the country’s transition from the national CONVEL automatic train protection system to the new harmonized European Train Control System (ETCS), in line with the nationally defined ERTMS migration roadmap.
During the transition phase, trains will operate with ETCS and STM onboard, ensuring continuity of operations on lines not yet fully interoperable, while supporting the progressive deployment of ETCS Level 2 across the national network.
The development and certification of the new STM will contribute to:
- diversifying the supply chain;
- reducing dependence on a single technology provider;
- fostering a more competitive and resilient market for railway undertakings, maintainers and future rolling stock programmes.
The STM is being developed as an external module, designed to ensure interoperability between ETCS and the Portuguese Class B system (CONVEL), and will be made available to the market under fair, reasonable and non‑discriminatory (FRAND) conditions, in line with the applicable European regulatory framework.
The solution will be delivered through a collaborative effort involving Hitachi Rail teams in Portugal, Sweden and Italy, combining deep knowledge of the Portuguese network with Hitachi’s wider European expertise in digital signalling and onboard train control.
Hitachi Rail has played a pioneering role in the deployment of ERTMS in Europe and continues to deliver major programmes across the continent, including large‑scale network deployment in Italy and onboard ERTMS and STM programmes in Sweden.
“This contract is an important milestone for the modernisation of Portuguese rail. By developing a second STM for the national network, we are helping create a more resilient and competitive technological foundation for the sector, while supporting Infraestruturas de Portugal in delivering an efficient and future‑ready transition to ERTMS”, said Joaquim Santos, Hitachi Rail Portugal Country Director.
“For passengers, operators and the wider public, the benefit is clear: a stronger railway system with greater interoperability, improved long‑term sustainability and readiness for the next generation of rail services.”
The STM solution developed under this contract will support certification and integration activities and contribute to strengthening interoperability along the Portuguese rail network and its connections to the wider European rail system.
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.
About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the transition to sustainable mobility and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer, and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, smooth, and sustainable transportation.
With a turnover of more than €7 billion and 24,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a reliable partner for the world’s best transport companies. The company’s presence is global, but the company is local, with success based on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international expertise and experience covers every part of urban ecosystems, main lines and freight railways, from high-quality production and maintenance of rolling stock to digital signalling, payment systems and smart operations.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan’s iconic high-speed train, leverages the digital and artificial intelligence expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies.
For more information, visit the hitachirail.com
