Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE-Oman Rail Network, has partnered with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, to supply 27 state-of-the-art EMD SD70ACS heavy-haul freight locomotives. These locomotives will be custom-designed to withstand the region’s unique environmental conditions while adhering to the highest global standards of safety, security, sustainability, and environmental protection. The announcement took place during the inaugural Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference in 2024.
Ahmad Al Musawa Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, expressed his commitment to developing and operating a state-of-the-art railway network equipped with cutting-edge heavy-haul freight locomotives that meet international benchmarks. The fleet is tailored to comply with GCC Railway Network standards, paving the way for efficient freight movement between Oman and the UAE in the future. The partnership with Progress Rail is seen as a strategic move to boost regional trade, unlock new prospects in infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors of both countries, enhance economic diversification, and foster sustainable growth.
John Newman, President and CEO of Progress Rail, highlighted the importance of the GCC region on a global scale and praised the UAE’s role in its growth. Progress Rail has been selected to work with Hafeet Rail to further connect Oman and the UAE, leveraging its experience and relationships in the region to support customer growth. The new fleet of locomotives boasts high-powered engines designed to haul diverse cargo, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient movement of trains across the Oman-UAE railway network once operational.
The 27 locomotives are equipped with high-performance engines and advanced filtration technologies, including pulse and sand filtration systems, as well as carbon emission reduction technologies, aligning with Hafeet Rail’s commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction. Progress Rail’s expertise in the railway sector, especially within the GCC, allows it to provide advanced locomotives tailored to local conditions, in addition to its significant global presence serving numerous countries worldwide.
The contract for supplying the new fleet of locomotives follows the awarding of main contracts and contracts for the systems and technology to be used in the project, as well as the commencement of preparatory work to develop the UAE-Oman railway network. This reinforces Hafeet Rail’s commitment to accelerating the completion of the first rail connection in the GCC, showcasing its dedication to advancing transportation infrastructure in the region. Overall, the partnership between Hafeet Rail and Progress Rail marks a significant step towards revolutionizing freight transport between Oman and the UAE, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development in the region.
