Hafeet Rail Collaborates With Progress Rail To Supply Advanced Freight Locomotives For UAE-Oman Network

Hafeet Rail, responsible for the UAE-Oman Rail Network, has teamed up with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company. They will provide 27 EMD SD70ACS heavy-haul freight locomotives. These trains are designed to handle the region's environmental challenges while meeting top global safety and sustainability standards. This collaboration was announced at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference 2024.

Ahmad Al Musawa Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He stated, "This partnership reaffirms our commitment to developing and operating a state-of-the-art railway network equipped with cutting-edge heavy-haul freight locomotives that meet international benchmarks. Additionally, our fleet is tailored to comply with GCC Railway Network standards, paving the way for efficient and streamlined freight movement between Oman and the UAE in the future."

The new rail network aims to boost regional trade by facilitating efficient freight movement between Oman and the UAE. The initiative will open new opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors in both countries. This development is expected to contribute to economic diversification and sustainable growth in the region.

John Newman, President and CEO of Progress Rail, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. He remarked, "The GCC is geographically, financially and economically important on a global scale, and the UAE has been a driving contributor to the region’s growth. We are proud to have been selected to work with Hafeet Rail to further connect Oman and the UAE."

The fleet will feature powerful engines capable of transporting various cargo types over long distances. Each train will be about two kilometres long and carry different railcars loaded with bulk materials, containers, petrochemicals, metallic products, and other industrial goods. These locomotives will ensure safe and efficient transport across the Oman-UAE railway network.

The locomotives incorporate high-performance engines with advanced filtration systems like pulse and sand filtration. They also include carbon emission reduction technologies aligning with Hafeet Rail's sustainability goals. This reflects their dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

Progress Rail's extensive experience in the GCC railway sector has allowed it to tailor its offerings to local needs while maintaining a strong global presence. Their investment in products, technologies, and local teams has fostered trust within the region over decades.

Commitment to Regional Growth

The contract for these locomotives follows awarding main contracts for systems and technology essential for developing the UAE-Oman railway network. This step highlights Hafeet Rail's dedication to completing the first rail connection in the GCC swiftly.

Newman's appreciation for this partnership underscores its importance: "Progress Rail has developed strong trust and relationships with our business partners in the GCC through decades of investment in products, technologies and local teams." The collaboration promises continued support for customer growth within this vital region.

As preparations continue for this ambitious project, Hafeet Rail remains focused on delivering a modern railway network that meets international standards while addressing regional needs effectively.

With inputs from WAM