26 October 2011
--Winning consortium awarded AED3.3 billion contract to complete the network's 266km Western Region route by 2014--

Abu Dhabi, UAE - Etihad Rail - the master developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network - has awarded the Civil & Track Works contract for the first stage of the network, that will link the Western Region cities of Habshan and Ruwais by 2013 and then Shah and Habshan by 2014. The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Italy's Saipem S.p.A, Tecnimont S.p.A and UAE-based Dodsal Engineering and Construction PTE. Limited.

The successful joint venture was selected by way of a competitive tendering process, following an international-standard process of prequalification, short listing and tendering, which commenced in the last quarter of 2010. The AED3.3 billion Civil & Track Works contract comprises the design, procurement and construction of the railway infrastructure, in addition to the testing and commissioning (on a design and build basis) of all assets relating to the completion of the first phase of the project. In addition to that, the contract includes the earth works and track's site grading, bridge structures, communication systems, and the development of the depot at Mirfa.

This contract award follows the official signing by H.E. Nasser Al Sowaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, earlier this week of the company's agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the transportation of up to seven million tonnes of granulated sulphur annually.  This agreement - along with the Civil & Track Works contract award - will see the commencement of construction of the first phase of the network. 

Commenting on today's key announcement, Richard Bowker, CEO of Etihad Rail, said:  "We are so delighted to announce today the appointment of the Civil & Track Works contract for the first stage of the network.  This milestone contract truly marks the start of the realisation of a national railway network on the ground and beyond the planning stages. Thanks to our team's unwavering dedication, passion and commitment, our landmark project is making massive progress and actual construction is now imminent.  With this key contract in place and with our signed agreement with ADNOC this week, our vision is becoming a reality and we're getting closer and closer to seeing the first trains run in 2013."

Once complete, Etihad Rail's AED 40 billion 1,200km route network will connect urban and remote communities throughout the country. The network will facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network - linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.

- Ends -

About Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail was established in June 2009 under Federal Law no. 2, with a mandate to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE's national freight and passenger railway network.

The railway network will be built in phases to link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, as well as to form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network linking the six countries of the GCC.

Built to international standards, Etihad Rail's state-of-the-art network will act as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. Once complete, the railway will redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient, sustainable network that will connect all regions of the UAE, and the UAE to its wider GCC neighbours.

Etihad Rail has recently announced a number of contract awards including:

·         The Project Management Consultant (PMC) contract, which was awarded to a joint venture between Aecom and Parsons International

·         The contract award for the railway sleepers, which Etihad Rail awarded to PCM Strescon Ventures Limited. The Indian-based company has been assigned to provide and manufacture the railway sleepers for the first stage of the network

·         Electro-Motive Diesel has been selected to handle the design and build of seven heavy haul locomotives for delivery by 2012

·         CSR Corporation China has been awarded the contract to supply 240 covered wagons to transport granulated sulphur on the Shah-Habshan-Ruwais route

Sameh Zaki, Hill & Knowlton
Tel: +971 5090 46741
Email: Sameh.Zaki@hillandknowlton.com 

Dalia Moujaes, Etihad Rail
Tel: +971 2 4999 999
Email: Dalia.Moujaes@etihadrail.ae

© Press Release 2011