ETIHAD RAIL DB CLEARING THE SANDS FOR PROGRESS Etihad Rail DB is providing a whole new means of transport for the UAE, according to Saeed Salem AlSuwaidi, chief executive offi cer, Etihad Rail DB

Etihad Rail DB is providing a whole new transport network for the UAE.

16 FEBRUARY 2020 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST www.logisticsmiddleeast.com ETIHAD RAIL DB

he vast, open plains of the Arabian Desert pro- contributed to a total annual CO2 saving of 44,000 tonnes per vide some of the most opportune landscapes year. Significant progress is also being made on the training and for a major railway development, and this was workforce development front. Since inception, Etihad Rail DB a key consideration behind the ground-breaking has been committed to developing industry-leading skills right railway project, which is introducing an entirely here in the UAE and to promoting international knowledge new industry – and transport infrastructure – transfer to empower and nurture local talent. Tto the UAE. In 2017, Etihad Rail DB, in partnership with Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI), intro- Building a new future for the UAE’s transport sector duced the UAE’s first Rail Diploma programme. Through this Etihad Rail DB, a joint venture between Etihad Rail, the de- programme, Etihad Rail DB provides occupational training veloper and owner of the UAE’s national railway network, and and shared learning opportunities for Emirati students, who Deutsche Bahn (DB), one of the world’s leading passenger and can specialise in one of four professions – train captain, train logistics companies, is responsible for the operation and main- controller, rolling stock technician and systems technician. The tenance of Stage One of the national railway network, providing programme has seen great success to date, with the first batch integrated transport solutions to ensure the delivery of safe, of the UAE Rail Diploma students joining Etihad rail DB for efficient and reliable services. their final year work placement in September 2019. Built to the highest international standards, and with the first phase already up and running since 2016, the state-of- Ensuring operational readiness at the highest international the-art project is set to redefine logistics and transport in the safety standards region, providing a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable new Stage One is 264km long and includes 10 under-bridges, 29 transport system. over-bridges, 12 pipeline crossings and 30 culverts that stretch across the desert’s terrain. Safe, efficient and reliable services delivery Besides the operations, Etihad Rail DB’s core competence Stage One of the project has been operational since 2016. Today, is the maintenance of both track and rolling stock throughout 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur are being transported each the year. This knowledge is particularly important as one has day from and Shah to for Abu Dhabi National to consider that for example high temperatures in summer, Oil Company (ADNOC). Year-to-date, Etihad Rail DB has moved coupled with the changes in the levels of humidity, can lead more than 6.5 million tonnes of granulated sulphur, bringing to a corrosive ‘Sabkha’ type environment. These conditions the total volume of sulphur transported since inception to 28 must be managed well to ensure full operational readiness of million tonnes in 2,817 train trips. As such, the railway has all assets. This is why, much time has been spent by Etihad Rail

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Etihad Rail DB’s teams work diligently to keep its tracks sand free.

Etihad Rail DB trains each and every employee in work-place safety.

For Etihad Rail DB, safety is at the heart of its operations.

DB on training and maintaining the highest international With safety in mind, and at public by carrying out safety safety standards, which paved the way for the successful the heart of Etihad Rail DB’s awareness and community achievement of outstanding performance and safety records. operations and activities, the outreach campaigns. company boasts a word-class Sand mitigation is key safety record. Etihad Rail DB The future is bright Sand movements are usually unpredictable and Etihad Rail adheres to a stringent set of Since day one, everyone in- DB’s team works diligently to make sure that the track remains Health, Safety and Envi- volved in this railway project unobstructed and safe for the passage of trains. ronmental regulations and has been working to build a The team of Etihad Rail DB has also employed its practical international standards and new industry that will rede- experiences and learning to develop innovative mitigation utilising competent industry fine logistics and transport measures. Driven by practical experience, the team has tai- experts. As such, Etihad Rail in the region to support the lored a unique Weather Analysis Program Dashboard, which DB pays utmost attention to government’s mission to build is consistently utilised, to effectively identify the wind’s the safety of its employees a diversified economy. Etihad impact on areas that had been categorised as ‘hot spots’ for and operations, ensuring Rail DB is right at the heart of sand movement. And if immediate action is required, Etihad the implementation of in- this progress. Rail DB’s team stand ready. When sand was blown onto the ternational best practice and In 2019, the company was tracks in February and March 2019, Etihad Rail DB’s teams safety standards at all times appointed to provide ‘Shadow mobilised immediately, deploying the necessary resources and across all aspects of the Operator’ services for Stage and manpower to clear the tracks, while ensuring to adhere company’ business. Two of Etihad Rail, owing to to environmental regulations. All of the company’s its long expertise and success employees are experienced in managing Stage One opera- BUILT TO THE HIGHEST and trained to conduct a tions and maintenance. In its INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, AND safe railway operation, ‘Shadow Operator’ role, Etihad WITH THE FIRST PHASE ALREADY UP and consequently receive Rail DB will aim to utilise its sufficient practical safety expertise from Stage One to AND RUNNING SINCE 2016, THE STATE- training before taking part provide consultancy services to OF-THE-ART PROJECT IS SET TO in any type of work related Etihad Rail in preparation for REDEFINE LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT to the Etihad Rail DB rail- Stage Two. Building an entirely IN THE REGION, PROVIDING A MODERN, way infrastructure. new industry takes both skill Etihad Rail DB also and commitment, and Etihad SAFE, EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE strives to raise awareness Rail DB is diligently contribut- NEW TRANSPORT SYSTEM.” SAEED SALEM around safety among com- ing to continuously realising ALSUWAIDI, CEO, ETIHAD RAIL DB munities and the general this bright, new future.

18 FEBRUARY 2020 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST www.logisticsmiddleeast.com