Science company AEA Technology is part of a team working to check the safety of the largest high-speed Rail project in the world, writes Maggie Hartford.

The 100m Taiwan rail system is one of the most challenging rail construction projects ever undertaken in terms of engineering and intended performance.

The safety team, led by Lloyd's Register, includes the Harwell-based group's AEA Technology Rail company and Tony Gee and Partners.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) wants to relieve congestion on the island by building a high-speed link along 345km of new track from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south.

Trains will run at 190mph over viaducts and through tunnels, crossing several earthquake fault lines.

The British project team will certify the safety, quality and operability of the entire project from trains and signals to tunnels.

The multi-million dollar agreement covers the first two years of the five-year construction period of the project. THSRC will have the option to extend the verification and validation services until construction is finished in 2005, and, thereafter into operations.

Project director Mike Cooper, of Lloyds Register, said: "Our team brings together the independent experience and recognised standing of Lloyds Register with the high-speed rail technology of AEA Technology Rail and the civil engineering experience of Tony Gee and Partners. Together, we have a unique capability to perform this high-level role."

Cliff Perry, managing director of AEA Technology Rail, said: "We have considerable experience in helping improve both safety and performance with the UK rail industry. It is this experience that has left us well placed to export our expertise.