IMAP Portugal Secures Concession for High-Speed Rail Initiative
Deal News | Aug 13, 2025 | IMAP Netherlands
IMAP Portugal has played a pivotal advisory role in securing the concession for the initial segment of Portugal's first high-speed rail line, planned to link Porto with Oi and eventually span the full Porto-Lisbon route. As one of Europe's substantial mobility projects, this line dramatically reduces travel time between Lisbon and Porto from around three hours to just one hour and fifteen minutes. The rail project, spanning 71 kilometers, includes significant infrastructure components such as dual River Douro crossings and is structured under a triad of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). LusoLav, advised by IMAP Portugal, won the 30-year concession for this segment, supported by an extensive EUR 2.7 billion financing package that encompasses EU grants, Portuguese public funds, and considerable debt contributions from an array of financial institutions. The advisory services provided by IMAP Portugal were comprehensive, covering everything from bid preparation to lender negotiations. The shareholder collective of LusoLav consists of several major Portuguese construction firms alongside a Spanish infrastructure investment entity.
Sectors
- Transportation
- Infrastructure
- Project Finance
Geography
- Portugal – The high-speed rail project is based in Portugal, aiming to connect the country's two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto.
- Europe – As one of the largest mobility projects in Europe, this project holds significance across the continent.
Industry
- Transportation – The article discusses a high-speed rail project, which is a major development in transportation infrastructure.
- Infrastructure – The focus on the construction and development of a new rail line connects this article directly to the infrastructure industry.
- Project Finance – The significant financial structuring and planning involved in funding the rail project relates to the project finance industry.
Financials
- EUR 2.7 billion – Total project cost for the high-speed rail line.
- EUR 2 billion – Amount of debt financing secured from various financial institutions.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMAP Portugal | Advisor | Company | Advised LusoLav on the concession award for the rail project. |
| LusoLav | Target Company | Company | Awarded the 30-year concession for the high-speed rail project. |
| Infraestruturas de Portugal | Government Agency | Government | Partnered with LusoLav under a PPP model. |
| European Investment Bank | Lender | Company | One of the financial institutions providing funding for the project. |
| Mota-Engil, Teixeira Duarte, Casais, Alves Ribeiro, Conduril, Gabriel Couto | Shareholders | Companies | These are Portuguese construction firms that are shareholders in LusoLav. |
| Serena Industrial Partners | Shareholder | Company | A Spain-based infrastructure fund that is a shareholder in LusoLav. |