CP - COMBOIOS DE PORTUGAL EPE

Their core work

CP is Portugal's national railway operator, responsible for passenger rail services across the country. In H2020 projects, they contribute as an end-user and operational testing partner, providing real-world railway infrastructure, rolling stock data, and operational expertise to validate research outcomes. Their participation spans railway vehicle performance improvements and critical infrastructure security, reflecting the dual priorities of a major transport operator: better trains and safer networks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CP's early H2020 involvement (2017-2019) focused on system-level railway improvements — intelligent mobility management, performance KPIs, smart maintenance, and human capital development. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted in two directions: deeper into physical vehicle components (carbody shells, brakes, doors, HVAC systems) and into a new domain entirely — CBRN threat detection and critical infrastructure security. This broadening from pure transport optimization toward security reflects a growing awareness of railway vulnerability to asymmetric threats.

CP is expanding from traditional railway performance research into security and resilience of transport infrastructure, making them a relevant partner for dual-use transport-security projects.

How they like to work

CP participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for a national railway operator contributing operational expertise rather than leading research. With 63 unique partners across just 4 projects and 11 countries, they work in large, diverse consortia — averaging around 16 partners per project. This indicates they are comfortable in major EU-scale collaborations and bring value as a real-world validation site rather than as a research driver.

CP has built a broad network of 63 partners across 11 countries through just four projects, reflecting participation in large Shift2Rail and security consortia. Their network likely spans major European railway operators, rolling stock manufacturers, and security technology firms.

What sets them apart

CP brings something most research organizations cannot: a real, operating national railway network with passenger services, rolling stock, and infrastructure available for testing and validation. For consortium builders, this means access to an Iberian-gauge railway system with distinct operational characteristics compared to central European networks. Their rare combination of railway operations and CBRN security project experience makes them especially valuable for projects at the transport-security intersection.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NEST
  Largest funding (EUR 147K) and a strategic pivot — CP's entry into CBRN threat detection and critical infrastructure protection, far outside traditional railway R&D.
• PIVOT2
  Detailed vehicle component focus (carbody, brakes, doors, HVAC) showing CP's willingness to engage at the engineering level, not just as a passive end-user.