The two locomotives pictured after their arrival at Mussafah Port
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, announced the arrival of the first two of seven locomotives to be shipped to the UAE.
The equipment arrived at Mussafah Port as construction on Stage One of the UAE’s national rail project is well underway.
The locomotives, which hold the train’s engines, will be moved to Etihad Rail’s site at Mirfa in the Western Region in preparation for the impending launch of Stage One, which will facilitate the transport of granulated sulphur from sources in Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais for export. Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), a US-based company and a world leader in the production of diesel-electric locomotives, designed and manufactured the locomotives for Etihad Rail.
Commenting on the arrival of the locomotives, Dr Nasser Al Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “The arrival of these locomotives is a remarkable step forward and another indicator that we are fast approaching the commencement of operations for Stage One. The project is progressing on schedule and we are on track to see the first train run between Habshan and Ruwais by the end of this year. ”
Mohamed Al Shamisi, acting CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and chairman of Abu Dhabi Terminals, commented: “We look forward to working with the company to develop Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure, integrating Abu Dhabi’s ports and rail network as part of Stage Two of the rail project.”
The SD70ACS locomotive is service-proven, having successfully operated in the most challenging operating conditions globally. Designed to withstand the region’s arduous climate and geography, the model features the latest technologies that reduce carbon emissions, aligned with Etihad Rail’s commitment to deliver a mode of transport that is efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly than alternative modes of transport.
On completion, the Etihad Rail network will extend approximately 1,200 km across the Emirates, catering to both freight and passengers. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network.
