Abu Dhabi, UAE: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed an agreement with Transportr, a leading company in digital freight services. The cooperation comes as part of Etihad Rail’s long-term digital innovation strategy in advancing cutting-edge technology for the rail sector, alongside the company’s commitment to the UAE’s digitalisation agenda.
Through the cooperation, Etihad Rail and Transportr will work together to enable the streamlining of service provision in the logistics sector through digital solutions such as booking, tracking, and multi-modal connectivity, that will provide a complete digital rail freight solution that will complement Etihad Rail’s range of new and sophisticated technologies that are convenient and efficient.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director – Commercial at Etihad Rail, said: “Etihad Rail is at the forefront of the industry in developing innovative solutions for its customers. Through integrating state-of-the-art technology into our network, we are creating a rail service that is new, modern, and cost effective, bringing significant benefits to the wider local and regional logistics sector.”
He added: “Our collaboration with Transportr falls in line with our wider aim of providing customers with smart technologies that enable a resilient and cost-effective supply chain. Through implementing international best practice in designing new digital solutions, we are reducing transport and storage costs, improving supply chain resilience, and providing future customers with seamless freight transport. Transportr provides a range of sophisticated solutions for the whole logistics sector, and we look forward to see their promising future growth.”
Commenting on the agreement, Alaa Hawari, General Manager of Transportr, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Etihad Rail. The company’s investment in its digital solutions is demonstrative of its wider holistic approach to implementing international best practice across the construction of the UAE’s National Rail Network. This infrastructure will connect key centres of industry with urban and rural communities, sustaining trade, boosting national development, and delivering faster, safer, and more reliable services for businesses.
“Transportr, as a ‘door-to-door’ integrated solution provider, is committed to the digital transformation of the rail system to achieve the full digitalization of the entire supply chain, backed by our experienced professionals, strong infrastructure, digital competence and regional expansion,” he concluded.
Etihad Rail continues to drive change and enhance the wider logistics and transport sector in the UAE and the GCC. The company integrates novel technological breakthroughs with pre-existing logistical systems, ensuring that customers can access the full benefits of the UAE’s status as a global logistics hub. Through providing the potential to connect the Emirates, from Al Ghuweifait on the borders with Saudi Arabia through to eastern ports on the Indian ocean, Etihad Rail delivers the smooth and seamless transport of cargo goods.
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.
About Transportr:
Transportr is an Abu Dhabi-based digital freight platform that connects shippers to carriers locally and regionally. The platform saves money for shippers and increases earnings for carriers while digitalizing the entire freight lifecycle.
Transportr provides inland, cross border and sea freight shipping services to clients. Transportr is actively enhancing its offerings and services while extending their reach regionally as well as locally.
Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi Ports has signed an agreement with Transportr to deliver customs clearance and container transportation services to its inland container depot (ICD) facility in Mussafah. Transportr’s unique ICD logistics model along with its efficient digital freight network will provide customers with access to a modern intermodal connection system between different means of transport.
