Etihad Rail and Progress Rail Locomotive have signed a contract for the supply of 38 EMD locomotives especially designed to withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the gulf region.
Progress Rail will design, manufacture, test and ship the locomotives which 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%. The locomotives are designed to haul a 100-wagon train, which can replace 5,600 on-road truck trips per day.
The agreement increases the fleet of Etihad Rail to 45 heavy 4,500 HP locomotives, which are among the most powerful locomotives in the region.
By this locomotive contract Etihad Rail is expanding its fleet to 45 locomotives, as the company currently owns 7 locomotives.
The new locomotives will increase the annual transport capacity to more than 60 million tonnes, from currently 7.2 million tonnes.
“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,” Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of Etihad Rail, said.
Since 2016, when transport services were launched, the number of truck trips was reduced by more than 1 million on the roads of Al Dhafrah, as Etihad Rail’s 7 locomotives transported up to 28 million tonnes of granulated sulphur from sources at Shah and Habshan to the processing and export point at Ruwais.
The signing of the contract follows the awarding of all civil works contracts for Stage Two of the national railway network, the launch of construction works of Package A of Stage Two, and the award of a contract to build a series of freight facilities for the rail network as well as the systems and integration contract.
Etihad Rail is committed to develop its railway network as is the main driver towards environmental sustainability and economic growth.
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