Hafeet Rail Orders Modern Freight Locomotives from Progress Rail

Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE-Oman Rail Network, has entered into a partnership with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, to supply 27 cutting-edge EMD® SD70ACS heavy-haul freight locomotives. These locomotives are specially designed to handle the region's challenging environmental conditions while meeting the highest international standards of safety, security, sustainability, and environmental protection. The announcement took place during the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (Global Rail) 2024.

Commenting on the announcement, Ahmad Al Musawa Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, said: "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."

"We are keen on forging partnerships that resonate with our mission to provide competitive freight solutions across the joint network. This initiative is poised to boost regional trade and unlock new prospects in the infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors of both countries, thereby enhancing economic diversification and fostering sustainable growth", he added.

John Newman, President and CEO of Progress Rail, said: “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. 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. We greatly appreciate our relationship with Hafeet Rail and are looking forward to continuing our support of our customers’ growth in the GCC region.”

A Fleet Designed for Diverse Cargo Transport

The new locomotives will power a fleet capable of transporting a wide variety of cargo across the Oman-UAE railway network. Spanning nearly two kilometres in length, these freight trains will carry bulk materials, containers, petrochemicals, metallic products, and other industrial goods. This robust design ensures the safe, efficient, and seamless movement of goods across the network, catering to Hafeet Rail’s customers upon the network’s full operation.

Advanced Technologies for Sustainability

Each of the 27 locomotives is equipped with high-performance engines and sophisticated filtration systems, including pulse and sand filtration technologies. Additionally, carbon emission reduction technologies are integrated into the design, aligning with Hafeet Rail’s sustainability goals. This focus on environmental responsibility highlights the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Leveraging Regional Expertise and Global Reach

Progress Rail’s extensive experience in the railway sector, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, positions it to meet the specific needs of the local environment. By combining regional knowledge with its broad global presence, Progress Rail ensures that the locomotives are customized to meet the demands of both the climate and the market, delivering high-performance solutions to serve multiple countries effectively.

Accelerating Network Development

The contract for supplying the new fleet follows the awarding of key contracts for systems, technology, and infrastructure development for the UAE-Oman railway network. With preparatory work already underway, the agreement underscores Hafeet Rail's commitment to accelerating the completion of the first cross-border rail link within the GCC, marking a significant step toward regional connectivity.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

Hafeet Rail is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala, named after Jebel Hafeet, a mountain connecting Oman and the UAE. Operating under the guidance of both countries' leaderships, the company aims to enhance historical ties, promote economic and commercial integration, and strengthen social and cultural connections between the two nations. This ambitious project symbolizes a shared vision for deeper collaboration and long-term prosperity in the region.