Etihad Rail runs 1,000th cargo train… passengers when?

By Rajive Singh

ABU DHABI: Etihad Rail, the developer of the UAE’s national railway network and Etihad Rail DB, the joint venture between Etihad Rail and DB Cargo that operates and maintains Stage One of the railway network, announced that it has safely run its 1,000th train as of Friday, 20th January, 2017.

The milestone marks a significant achievement for the company set up in 2013 to manage the operations of the Etihad Rail network. Commercial operations officially commenced in January 2016, with Etihad Rail DB responsible for the transport of more than 20,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily from the gas fields of Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais, where sulphur is exported.

Commenting on the significance of the milestone, AbdulMuhsen Younus, Chairman of Etihad Rail DB, said, ‘Since inception, Etihad Rail DB has been committed to providing its main client, Adnoc, with a safe, reliable and timely service, and for setting the bench mark as the region’s leading heavy rail operator.”

He added, “To date, we have transported more than 10 million tonnes of sulphur in over 1 million hours worked with zero lost time injury, LTI.”

Omar Al Suwaidi, Adnoc’s Gas Management Director, said, “Having a reliable rail network has enabled Adnoc to transport its large quantities of sulphur to Ruwais in an efficient manner. This has greatly enhanced our logistical capability and Adnoc’s position as the world’s largest exporter of sulphur.”

“Over the coming decade, Adnoc intends to double its sulphur production capabilities, becoming the number one global producer. Having a reliable partner, such as Etihad Rail DB, will enable our exponential growth.” he added.