Thales in Portugal

The Thales team began operating in Portugal in the early 1990s, working in support of the Portuguese Rail Modernization Plan, with the installation of Thales signalling, security and communication solutions. With its solutions used along more than 1,200 kilometres of the national railway network, Thales has emerged as the leader in Portugal's integrated transport market.

As Thales pursues its multi-domestic strategy, the company has established a strong operational presence in Portugal, mainly focused on the ground transportation business. As an example of the company's success, the Operational Control Centre (OCC) in Lisbon, a benchmark project providing management for the Railway Transport System across nearly the entire country, represents one of the main references of Thales's work in Portugal. As Mr. João Araújo, Chairman of the company's board, said "We intend to become the benchmark provider of mission critical systems and services in Portugal"

The Lisbon OCC provides the Portuguese authority responsible for railway infrastructure, Rede Ferroviária Nacional EPE (REFER EPE), with centralized and integrated control of the national network in all aspects of operations and maintenance.

Keeping constant focus on the needs of its clients, Thales offers a vast range of solutions in terms of signalling, communications, ticketing and maintenance systems, as well as safety and security solutions for critical infrastructure.

In Portugal, Thales is working to increase its involvement in other areas, such as in the provision of security solutions for critical infrastructure, and is participating in key national projects, including Portugal's high-speed railway network.

Internationally, Thales Portugal has been awarded several projects of key importance, proof of its technological excellence and high level of qualification in managing projects from the initial draft, all the way through to final construction.