First Wagons for UAE Rail Network Arrive at Mina Zayed

The first shipment of wagons for Stage One of the UAE’s National Rail Network, being managed by Etihad Rail, have been received at the historic port of Mina Zayed.

Their timely arrival shows that the project is very much on target to meet agreed project deadlines. Senior Executives from Etihad Rail were on hand to welcome the arrival of the wagons on the cargo ship King Spirit.

The new wagons were constructed to the highest specification in collaboration with Etihad’s carefully chosen suppliers. Innovative research and studies led to their construction using the most advanced technologies available for maximum safety and environmental efficiency; one fully loaded train produces 70-80% less carbon emissions than alternative transport methods.

The first trains will be fitted with specially designed top-hatch covers to transport granulated sulphur maintaining a 99.9% purity throughout its journey. One train is able to transport 22,000 tonnes of sulphur per day. More than 360 trucks would otherwise be required.

Etihad Rail has contracted with companies in China and the US to supply covered wagons and electro-motive diesel freight locomotives.

Stage One of the project is well underway and when complete the Rail Network will form a multi-modal transport system that will form the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.