Etihad Rail signs MoU with HOYER Global Transport BV to support Intra-GCC logistics

The agreement will see HOYER Global Transport BV and Etihad Rail working together to develop a safe and sustainable bulk liquid transportation system across the UAE, and also linking to the GCC.

The MoU between the two parties was signed by Shadi Malak, Executive Director-Commercial, Etihad Rail, and Michael Gerard Loscalzo, Business Unit Director of HOYER Global Transport.

Established in 1946, HOYER now ranks among the largest companies offering true global door-to-door container logistics with decades of experience in rail and intermodal liquid bulk transport throughout Europe.

A specialist in the transportation of hazardous liquids, HOYER's collaboration with Etihad Rail will bring tangible benefits for its customers, with Etihad Rail providing HOYER with a safer and more reliable mode of transport to undertake its business.

HOYER and Etihad Rail have already been working closely together, with HOYER being a valued member of the Etihad Rail industry advisory panel since the end of 2011. Through this panel, which sees the involvement of a select few companies, HOYER has been sharing its knowledge and expertise given its experience in liquid bulk transport by rail in Europe.

Commenting on the MoU, Shadi Malak, Executive Director-Commercial, Etihad Rail said, "Etihad Rail's commitment lies in delivering a safe, efficient, and modern mode of transport at optimal cost and with minimal environmental impact, and having collaborated closely with HOYER Global Transport BV since the end of last year, we are confident that they will find our network to be the most effective means to transport their liquids to customers in the region. Their experience in liquid bulk transport in all parts of the world has been invaluable to us through our advisory panel. Today's signing is not only another indication of the rapid progress that we are making at Etihad Rail, but also showcases the wide variety of industries that we are working closely with to develop tailor-made business solutions."

Menno Douwes Dekker, Managing Director Middle East & India of the representing office, Hoyer Global Transport FZE in Dubai, added, "As a company offering customers true door-to-door container logistics, a cost-effective and safe solution to transport materials is critical to maintaining our competitive advantage in our industry. Knowing very well the advantages of rail transport as a result of our experience in Europe, the Etihad Rail network is the clear choice for us to transport our goods across the UAE and to connect with our other markets in the GCC, reducing our costs and ensuring a safe and sustainable mode of liquid bulk transport for our customers."

Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network - which will cater to both freight and passengers - will span a total of 1,200 km across the Emirates. It will connect urban and remote communities, 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. Preliminary construction work on Stage One, which links Shah and Habshan to Ruwais, is already underway, and the tendering process is already in progress for Stage Two, which will connect the railway to Mussafah, to the Gulf ports 'Khalifa and Jebel Ali Ports' and the Saudi and Omani borders.