VinSpeed and Siemens Mobility Forge Landmark Partnership to Build Vietnam’s First High-Speed Rail Network

HANOI, VIETNAM – VinSpeed and Siemens Mobility have launched a landmark strategic partnership to develop and deliver Vietnam’s first-ever high-speed rail lines, a move set to revolutionize the nation’s transport infrastructure. The collaboration will deploy Siemens’ state-of-the-art Velaro Novo trains, which promise up to 30% lower energy consumption and are engineered to handle Vietnam’s challenging terrain.

In a major development for Southeast Asia’s infrastructure landscape, VinSpeed High-Speed Railway Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Vingroup, has signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Framework Agreement with Siemens Mobility. Under the agreement, Siemens Mobility will serve as the exclusive technology partner, responsible for the complete turnkey delivery of Vietnam’s inaugural high-speed rail projects. The German technology giant will oversee the design, supply, and integration of its flagship Velaro Novo high-speed trains alongside key subsystems, including advanced ETCS Level 2 signalling, telecommunications, and a fully integrated electrification system. Pham Thieu Hoa, CEO of VinSpeed, stated the partnership combines VinSpeed’s local project execution capabilities with Siemens’ global expertise to “create a strong foundation for delivering international-standard high-speed rail lines.”

The technological core of the project is the Velaro Novo, Siemens Mobility’s most advanced high-speed train platform. Designed for a top operational speed of 350 km/h, the trains are a benchmark in efficiency and performance, offering up to 30% lower energy consumption and a 10% increase in passenger capacity compared to previous models. Crucially for Vietnam, the platform is engineered to navigate steep gradients and diverse terrain. The system will be controlled by ETCS Level 2 signalling, the European standard for interoperable railway control, which will be enhanced with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) to maximize safety, efficiency, and punctuality across the network. Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, highlighted the selection, noting, “This confidence in our turnkey expertise and technology underscores Siemens’ position as the partner of choice for ambitious mobility projects worldwide.”

This partnership aligns with Vietnam’s broader economic strategy to establish itself as a premier manufacturing and export gateway in the ASEAN region. The initial phase will focus on two strategic corridors: a 121-kilometre line connecting Ha Noi with the economic and tourism hub of Quang Ninh, and a 54-kilometre line from Ben Thanh to the coastal Can Gio district. By building modern, high-capacity transport links, Vietnam aims to accelerate socio-economic development and improve connectivity between key industrial zones and urban centers. Siemens’ long-standing presence in Vietnam, dating back to 1993, provides a solid foundation of local understanding and experience, ensuring the project is tailored to the country’s specific needs while leveraging global best practices in rail technology and project delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Turnkey Technology Transfer: Siemens Mobility will provide a complete, integrated system, including Velaro Novo trains, ETCS Level 2 signalling, and electrification, ensuring seamless compatibility and performance.
• Economic Catalyst: The new high-speed lines will significantly reduce travel times and improve logistics between major economic centres, supporting Vietnam’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub.
• Sustainable Modernization: The project represents a major step towards sustainable transport in Vietnam, offering a highly energy-efficient alternative to road and air travel that will reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.

Editor’s Analysis

This VinSpeed-Siemens partnership is more than just an infrastructure deal; it’s a strategic move that positions Vietnam at the forefront of mobility innovation in Southeast Asia. By opting for a top-tier, turnkey solution with the Velaro Novo and ETCS Level 2, Vietnam is leapfrogging legacy technologies and building a future-proof network from day one. For Siemens Mobility, this contract solidifies its dominance in the global high-speed rail market and provides a critical foothold in the rapidly growing ASEAN region, where numerous countries are planning significant rail investments. The success of this project could establish a new benchmark for HSR development in emerging economies, blending local project management with proven, high-performance European technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main partners in Vietnam’s new high-speed rail project?
The main partners are VinSpeed, a subsidiary of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, and Siemens Mobility, a global leader in transport solutions headquartered in Germany.

What train technology will be used for the new lines?
The project will utilize Siemens Mobility’s Velaro Novo high-speed train platform, which has a top speed of 350 km/h and features enhanced energy efficiency and passenger capacity.

Which initial routes are planned in the first phase?
The first phase will focus on developing two lines: the Ha Noi to Quang Ninh route (121 km) and the Ben Thanh to Can Gio route (54 km).