Progress Rail and Etihad Rail Sign MoU to Discuss Areas of Cooperation to Support Sustainability in the Railway Industry

September 22, 2022

The two parties will discuss potential opportunities for the development and deployment of an autonomous, zero-exhaust emissions yard concept

BERLIN, Germany – Today, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network, are continuing their long-standing relationship and demonstrating their commitment to an innovative, sustainable future by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss potential opportunities for the development and deployment of an autonomous, zero-exhaust emissions and port-to-port concept, which could serve as the foundation for future rail operations globally.

“Etihad Rail is always keen to develop new relationships that drive growth of a modern, safe, and sustainable railway sector in the UAE and the region,” said Ahmed Al Musawa, executive director of Passenger Sector at Etihad Rail. “By developing the UAE National Rail Network, Etihad Rail is already contributing to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70-80%. The agreement comes in line with Etihad Rail’s vision of safely and sustainably connecting regions and communities and integrating people and industries through rail transport.”

The MOU aims to discuss areas of future collaboration for a potential fleet decarbonization, taking sustainable operations to the next level.

“Progress Rail is committed to providing sustainable solutions for customers like Etihad Rail,” commented Marty Haycraft, president and CEO of Progress Rail. “The foundational suite of technologies we are developing will serve railroads around the world with their decarbonization journey.”

In August 2022, Progress Rail delivered the first batch of new EMD® SD70 locomotives to Etihad Rail. Each of the fleet’s diesel-and-electricity-operated locomotives provides 4,600 BHP, which makes it one of the most powerful engines in the Middle East. The locomotives are equipped with the latest filtering innovations such as the pulse sand filtering system, ensuring the train operates at high effectiveness and efficiency when passing through desert regions. They also incorporate and comply with the latest technologies and standards for reducing emissions.

# # #

About Progress Rail

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, 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, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. The company also offers advanced rail technologies, including data acquisition and asset protection equipment. 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 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit progressrail.com and follow @Progress_Rail on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Media Contact

Progress Rail

Amy Everett, Communications Director

+1-256-505-6749; aeverett@progressrail.com

www.progressrail.com

About Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail was established in June 2009 under Federal Law No. 2, with the mandate to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE’s national freight and passenger railway network. The railway network will link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE and will form a vital part of the planned railway network across the GCC.

Etihad Rail has successfully completed Stage One of the network. Stage One is fully operational and was delivered on schedule and within budget. The route spans 264 km, transporting granulated sulphur from sources at Shah and Habshan to the export point at Ruwais.

Stage Two links the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat through Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port. Built to international standards, Etihad Rail’s state-of-the-art network will span approximately 1,200 km, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. Upon completion, the railway will redefine logistics and mobility in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable mode of transport that will connect all regions of the UAE to its neighbouring GCC countries.

Media Contact:

Etihad Rail

Communications Department

Telephone: +971 2 4999712

Email: Communications@etihadrail.ae

www.etihadrail.ae