Etihad Rail - the master developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network - has selected Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), one of the world’s largest builders of diesel-electric locomotives, to design and manufacture seven heavy haul freight locomotives for delivery by 2012.

A momentous milestone for the AED 40 billion project, the locomotives contract award is perfectly timed to support Etihad Rail’s inaugural service in the Abu Dhabi Emirate’s Western Region and reflects the requirement that the UAE-wide project will have the first trains running on schedule in 2013.

Following a competitive tender process, Etihad Rail awarded the contract to the U.S.-based company, a leader in the construction of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including intercity passenger, commuter, freight, industrial, and mining. EMD will design, manufacture, deliver, test and commission locomotives for stage 1 of the Etihad Rail network, running from Shah to Ruwais.

Highlighting the award, Etihad Rail CEO Richard Bowker said: "We are excited to be working with Electro-Motive Diesel as we are confident they will be able to provide stage 1 of our railway with locomotives designed and engineered to withstand the demanding climatic conditions of this region. Etihad Rail seeks to offer faster, safer, more reliable and more environmentally sustainable services compared to alternative transport systems. With the expertise of EMD, our locomotives will incorporate the latest emissions compliance technology, enabling the Etihad Rail network to provide many environmental benefits in addition to the positive economic and social impact rail brings as a whole." Etihad Rail will develop a 266km route in the Western Region that will carry trains transporting up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily from sources in Shah and Habshan for export abroad at the port of Ruwais. This route marks the first phase of the 1,200km mixed-traffic network that will span across the Emirates - providing a modern, safe, and efficient method of transport for both freight and passengers. The Etihad Rail network will also link the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.

"We couldn’t be more pleased with the vote of confidence placed in EMD by Eithad Rail," said Glen Lehmann, Chief Marketing Officer, International, for EMD. "The SD70ACS locomotive model is a service proven locomotive having shown its performance in the most challenging operating conditions on earth. We look forward to proving it out again in partnership with Etihad Rail."

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