Martinus is looking to shake up the rail design and construction sector and is doing so with a strong consortium of businesses and in-house engineering.
In Australia’s rail infrastructure landscape, a transformative force is emerging. Martinus, once a burgeoning entity focused on product delivery, is now distinguishing itself as a expert in the design and construct (D and C) realm.
This strategic pivot is not merely an evolution but a revolution in an arena historically dominated by tier one giants. This venture into the space is intended to shake up the norm and offer an alternative for those in the construction space.
The Martinus edge in design and construct
Martinus’s entry into the D and C sector is marked by a shift towards collaborative engagement and innovation. Toby Briggs is the general manager for growth and articulated the approach.
“Our philosophy centres on fostering genuine partnerships through direct dialogue. This paradigm shift from transactional to relational engagements with clients and partners has propelled us into the spotlight, challenging the status quo and introducing a fresh perspective in project execution,” he said.
This strategy, underscored by a commitment to excellence and innovation, has catapulted Martinus from a new player to a critical disruptor in the D and C landscape, reshaping how projects are conceptualised and delivered.
In-house engineering mastery
Under design manager Zoë Cruice’s leadership, Martinus’s in-house design team has achieved progress, especially in executing major project.
A distinguished figure in the infrastructure sector, Zoë brings to Martinus a wealth of experience from her tenure at Fulton Hogan, where she managed a diverse portfolio of road and bridge tenders, and from her strategic role in coordinating contracts for Sydney Trains.
Her expertise has been pivotal in Martinus’s approach to complex rail and urban infrastructure challenges, exemplified by the team’s innovative work on the Albury to Parkes project for Inland Rail.
The Albury to Parkes project involves enhancements to specific sites across the 355 kilometres of existing track running from Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes.
The enhancements provide the necessary vertical and horizontal clearance along the existing ‘Main South Line’ corridor to support the safe running of double-stacked freight trains up to 1,800 metres long and 6.5 metres high.
The Albury to Parkes section is divided into two separate projects.
Albury to Illabo
The 185 kilometres of existing rail corridor from the Victoria and New South Wales border at Albury to Illabo includes adjustments to approximately 44 kilometres of existing tracks. The project comprises works at specific sites to achieve horizontal and vertical clearance requirements for double-stacked trains.
The works include track slews and reconfigurations, bridge removals, bridge modifications, bridge replacements, track lowering, signalling gantry replacements, level crossing modifications and other associated works.
Stockinbingal to Parkes
This 170.3-kilometre stretch of Inland Rail involves enhancing specific sites along the existing rail corridor between Stockinbingal and Parkes to achieve horizontal and vertical clearance requirements for double-stacked trains. The Stockinbingal to Parkes Project will also enhance capacity by constructing a new crossing loop north of the Daroobalgie Road level crossing (Daroobalgie Crossing Loop).
The works include track slews, bridge modifications, track lowering, other structure modifications, upgrading a level crossing at Daroobalgie Road, a new crossing loop and other associated works.
Cruice’s’s foresight led to the development of an alternative to traditional ‘proof rolling’ methods, a testament to her and her team’s forward-thinking approach.
Cruice expalined that the development signifies Martinus’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, establishing new benchmarks within the industry.
This achievement not only underscores Martinus’s engineering strength but also cements its reputation as a trailblazer in the design space, ready to challenge conventional limits.
The Role of BG&E and Aurecon
The strategic alliances Martinus has forged, particularly with BG&E and Aurecon, are pivotal to its rising influence in the rail infrastructure sector.
These partnerships, built on a foundation of shared values and complementary expertise, have been instrumental in Martinus’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
Ben Keith, Associate Director from BG&E, sheds light on the essence of this collaboration.
“Our partnership thrives on mutual respect and a shared approach to innovation,” he said.
“Being privately owned companies with flat management structures, both Martinus and BG&E can make swift decisions, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to project needs.”
BG&E has a team of more than 850 in 15 offices across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom and the Middle East.
These teams design and deliver engineering solutions for clients in the property, transport, ports and marine, water, defence, renewables, and resources sectors.
While BG&E has been a cornerstone in this collaborative effort, the role of Aurecon cannot be understated. As another key partner, Aurecon brings to the table a wealth of expertise in engineering and design, further enriching the consortium’s capability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges.
Aurecon is a design, engineering and advisory company. With more than 6500 employees across 11 locations and over 25 years’ experience, the company brings a wealth of knowledge to the consortium.
This collaborative ecosystem, underscored by the agility of Martinus and BG&E’s organisational structures, shows how strategic partnerships can drive the industry forward, breaking traditional barriers and setting new benchmarks for excellence in rail infrastructure development.
A broader perspective
Martinus’s journey is emblematic of its broader strategy to redefine the parameters of success in the rail infrastructure sector. By embracing a holistic approach that integrates cutting-edge design with sustainable construction practices, Martinus is not only delivering projects but is also driving the conversation on how infrastructure development can be more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.
The company’s proactive stance on environmental stewardship and community engagement further accentuates its role as a trailblazer, paving the way for a new era of infrastructure development that is as conscientious as it is ground-breaking.
Building for the future
Looking forward, Martinus is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and growth. The company’s commitment to leveraging the latest technologies and sustainable practices ensures its projects not only meet current needs but are also adaptable to future demands.
This vision for the future, where rail infrastructure serves as a backbone for sustainable development, is at the heart of Martinus’s mission. As the company embarks on new projects and explores emerging technologies, its focus remains on shaping an infrastructure legacy that future generations will look back on with pride.
Martinus’s ascent in the rail infrastructure sector is a compelling narrative of innovation, strategic growth, and the breaking of traditional barriers.
The company’s journey from an emerging entity to a leading force in the D and C domain offers a blueprint for how ambition, coupled with a commitment to partnership and innovation, can redefine industry landscapes.
As Martinus continues to chart its course in the development of Australia’s rail infrastructure, its impact extends beyond the tracks laid or projects completed. Martinus is not just building infrastructure; it is crafting the future of Australian rail, one innovative project at a time.
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