The development of the Metro 3.0 project, encompassing the new Gondomar II, ISMAI-Muro-Trofa, Maia II, and São Mamede lines, managed by Ayesa Engineering, has received an award at the Year in Infrastructure Awards 2026, presented by Bentley Systems. Ayesa's proposal emerged as the winner in the «Bridges and Tunnels» category, highlighting its capability to apply digital engineering and innovative solutions in the design of complex and sustainable transport infrastructures.
Within this project, Ayesa implemented a digital and optimized tunnel design methodology. This approach combined its proprietary geotechnics application with artificial intelligence and Bentley's most advanced software for 3D geology modeling, BIM, and geotechnical and tunnel calculations. The disclosed results indicate significant savings, with a reduction of 4500 m³ in the required concrete volume and the avoidance of 1.5 million kilograms of CO2 emissions.
“"This has been the recognition of Ayesa's effort to drive innovation and digital transformation in the infrastructure domain."
“"It also represented the acknowledgment of Metro do Porto's vision and commitment to BIM and digital engineering methodologies, which were crucial in creating the necessary conditions for implementing these solutions and collaboratively developing new ways of working."
The Metro expansion plan foresees the construction of 38 new stations, covering approximately 40 kilometers and involving an investment exceeding 1 billion euros. With this distinction, Metro do Porto joins a group of world-renowned infrastructures awarded by Bentley, including icons of modern engineering such as London's Thames Tideway Tunnel, Sydney Airport, and the Digital Twin of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
