The UAE’s National Rail Network signs one of its largest partnerships
Posted: 6 August 2021 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
Etihad Rail, the operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, has signed one of the largest commercial partnerships for Stage Two of the UAE’s National Rail Project, with Western Bainoona Group.
Credit: Etihad Rail
As part of one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the UAE, the agreement includes the delivery of rail freight services and transport of construction materials from Western Bainoona Group’s facilities, in Fujairah, to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and Dubai Industrial City (DIC).
Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, this agreement aims to enable a sustainable and efficient mode of transport that strengthens the whole of the UAE’s economy.
On an annual level, 4.5 million tonnes of Western Bainoona Group’s aggregates will be transported on 643 trains from the Group’s facilities, in Fujairah, to logistics hubs in ICAD and DIC. Each train will be around 1km in length, with 70 wagons allocated to each train, carrying an approximate capacity of 7,000 tonnes per trip. Importantly, the partnership will reduce road traffic by 120,000 truck trips annually.
Mr. Mohammed Khalfan Al Hameli, Chairman of Western Bainoona Group, commented: “Western Bainoona Group is honoured to become one of Etihad Rail’s partners. We look to leverage the freight solutions provided by the UAE National Rail Network, bolstering and facilitating trade between the emirates. In sum, the network will enhance the capacity of companies operating across the UAE. Companies can develop their business by redirecting assets and reducing transportation costs, efficiently utilising their time and resources to become active players in the development of the UAE.”
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of Rail Relations Sector at Etihad Rail, said: “Etihad Rail is pleased to sign one of the largest agreements for Stage Two of UAE National Rail Network, adding Western Bainoona Group to our list of partners. We will be providing fast, smooth, and integrated transport solutions for the company’s products from Fujairah to the logistics hubs in ICAD and Dubai Industrial City, strengthening the Group’s business.
“Etihad Rail delivers cost-effective and time-efficient transport solutions, reducing road traffic in the UAE. In doing so, we protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, we deliver significant benefits for the logistics, infrastructure, and transport sectors across the UAE,” added Al Marzouqi.
As construction by Etihad Rail continues, advanced logistical infrastructure soars in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai whilst the UAE’s transport and logistics sector continues to strengthen.
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