CREAM
CREAM is an independent railway advisory that supports asset owners, operators and infrastructure managers to make informed decisions and solve critical problems, in order to boost their effectiveness and gain the most value from their assets.
Launched in 2025 by Jonathan Duvel who recognised a need in the railway market for an organisation that truly understands railway challenges and is able to unlock effective, lasting and economical solutions that are often elusive. Independent advisory, specialised in railway asset and operational performance, is critical in order to prioritise where the most impact can be made on the business bottom-line.
Specialising in freight and heavy haul, a global perspective is maintained and services are offered worldwide. Solutions are optimised and tailor-made to the operating environment and specific requirements of the railway.
Value is added through long-standing relationships in the industry and deep domain knowledge, and services are delivered with integrity and ingenuity.
Why partner with CREAM?
Deep understanding of railway operations
Proven experience in developing countries and advanced railways
Agile and innovative approach
Cost-effective advisory and consulting
Delivering services in Australia and internationally
SERVICES
For businesses to explore rail for heavy haul or freight, either for new operations or for expansions in line with growth strategies or additional production facilities, the concepts need to be developed, with a range of options if applicable. It is imperative to plan effectively during the infancy stage of projects and interpret the full suite of technical information at a high level, and concepts need to be analysed and costed in order to make informed decisions. This is particularly true if the advantages and commercial viability of rail transport against other modes are to be assessed, or if intermodal logistics that integrate rail with road or port are considered.
From advanced railway systems to those in developing countries, the requirements are diverse, but there is the ongoing need for improved reliability, availability, maintainability, affordability and safety of the rail network. Whilst for advanced systems the focus may be on analytics, technologies and sharpening the execution of maintenance, developing countries demand effective investment in infrastructure to eliminate constraints and improve service standards, plus validated upgrades of axle load or operating speed. Technical oversight is key, whereby datasets are interpreted in detail and carefully translated and distilled into meaningful information in order to get to the truth and secure accurate investment decisions. For this, robust interrogation of the results is crucial and a human touch is vital.
CREAM has the in-depth experience and capability to deliver specialised services for freight and heavy haul in:
Strategic Consulting & Advisory
- Railway Pre-Feasibility Study
- Technical Advisory for On-Track Machinery
Asset Management: Evaluation
- Track Performance Assessment
- Expert Evaluation of Rail Network
Asset Management: Optimisation
- Long-Term Track Maintenance Planning
- Track Maintenance Optimisation
Asset Management: Investigation
- Railway Expert Witness
- Derailment Investigation
Engineering
- Track Structure Analysis
- Development & Update of Track Standards
JONATHAN DUVEL
Railway Advisor
Jonathan has extensive railway industry experience, including operational management in freight and heavy haul. He is a leader in strategic consulting & advisory, asset management and engineering in railways, and his expertise covers a range of roles and responsibilities in Africa and Australia, on both Cape Gauge and Standard Gauge. He is passionate about railways and has a deep understanding of the business.
Specialist skills include: Railway planning, feasibility and development; Railway infrastructure maintenance; Railway asset reliability, availability, maintainability, affordability, and safety; Track mechanisation, condition assessment and performance improvement; and Track technology and technical management.
Additionally, Jonathan is a Chartered Professional Engineer with the Institution of Engineers Australia, and holds a Master of Science (Railway Operations Management) and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil).
CONTACT
Jonathan Duvel
Perth, Australia
