Hafeet Rail Procures 27 EMD Locomotives for Freight Transport Across Oman and the UAE from Progress Rail

October 8, 2024

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Progress Rail has signed a contract with Hafeet Rail for 27 EMD® SD70ACS freight locomotives, which will be used to connect Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE-Oman rail network is the first link in a unified transport and logistics chain that will span the GCC, delivering mutually beneficial socioeconomic and competitive advantages.

"This partnership reaffirms our commitment to developing and operating the 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,” commented Ahmad Al Musawa Al Hashmi, CEO of Hafeet Rail. "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."

The new EMD units will work in concert with Etihad Rail’s current fleet of 38 locomotives. Through leveraging proven SD70AC platform technology and integration of custom design features and advanced technologies, the high-powered SD70ACS is specifically designed to perform reliably and safely in unique and challenging desert environments.

“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,” commented John Newman, president and CEO of Progress Rail. “We are proud to have been selected to work with Hafeet Rail to further connect Oman and the UAE and are looking forward to continuing our support of our customers’ growth in the GCC region.”

Features include the proven EMD 710 engine, AC traction, EM2000 microprocessor control system and specially designed sand filtration system. Additionally, the units will be fitted with the company’s ECM™ train control system, which complies with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards.

 

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About Progress Rail

Progress Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for global rail customers. Progress Rail delivers advanced EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and maintenance-of-way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car services, aftermarket parts and recycling operations. The company also offers advanced rail technologies, including data analytics, train automation, operational optimization, connected assets, predictive maintenance, asset protection and movement and yard planning. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise, together with the support of Caterpillar, ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions for the rail industry. Progress Rail has a network of nearly 150 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabi, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India and Australia. For more information, visit progressrail.com and follow @Progress_Rail on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

 

Media Contact

Progress Rail Corporate Communications

Amy Everett:  aeverett@progressrail.com, +1(256)505-6749

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Hafeet Rail