Etihad Rail has awarded a contract for the supply of locomotives to Progress Rail Locomotives, a Caterpillar company, for expanding the company’s fleet to 45 locomotives, from its current 7 locomotives.

The contract was signed by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail and Ramzi Imad, Progress Rail’s regional director of International Sales for North Africa and Middle East, in the presence of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and chairman of Etihad Rail.

Commenting on the award win, HH Sheikh Theyab, said: “In the year of “2020: Towards the next 50”, we are moving forward in completing all the necessary components for this national project that contributes to the UAE’s progress and enhances the country’s prestigious global position.”

“The cutting-edge fleet of locomotives will raise the bar in the transportation system and logistics services in the country and increase the network’s annual capacity to more than 60 million tons, compared to the current annual capacity of approximately 7.2 million tons.”

“Our advanced locomotives fleet will serve the needs of the customers of this national strategic project, which will transform the transport industry in the country and the region,” he added.

Under the terms of the contract, Progress Rail will design, manufacture, test, and ship 38 EMD locomotives especially designed to withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the gulf region. Additionally, the locomotives fleet will be equipped with a state-of-the-art air filtration system that filters sand from the air intake and pulse cleaning systems, ensuring effective and efficient operations while passing through desert areas.

The locomotives feature powerful motors and will be supported by advanced emission reduction technology, reducing carbon emissions by 70-80% and are designed to haul a 100-wagon train, which can replace 5,600 on-road truck trips per day, according to Progress Rail.

“Since Etihad Rail became operational in 2016, the company’s current fleet of seven locomotives has contributed to decreasing the number of truck trips on the roads of Al Dhafrah by more than one million, with up to 28 million tonnes of granulated sulphur transported from sources at Shah and Habshan to the processing and export point at Ruwais,” HH Sheikh Theyab concluded.