Etihad Rail has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSCO SHIPPING Ports Abu Dhabi Container Freight Station (CSP AD CFS), the largest Container Freight Station in the region and subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (CSP). The two shared that this transport MoU has a number of aims, including bolstering logistics and connectivity within the UAE, advancing CSP AD CFS’s supply chain efficiency and extending its services across the UAE and the wider GCC region.
It will see CSP AD CFS utilise the UAE National Railway Network to facilitate the transportation of its goods between Khalifa Port and various key logistics hubs and industrial zones throughout the UAE.
Further, Etihad Rail will provide a multimodal transportation solution that will support CSP AD CFS’s sustainability initiatives.
It was shared that the UAE National Rail Network aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the country’s road transport sector by 21 per cent annually by 2050.
Etihad Rail’s freight rail terminals will also be utilised as storage and distribution centres for CSP AD CFS’s goods, aimed at streamlining its logistics operations via strategic inland locations for the consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo.
Gunther J. Ferk, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, said: “The integration of rail into CSP AD CFS’s operations at Khalifa Port aligns with our commitment to create safe and reliable transport solutions for our customers. Moreover, this collaboration will connect one of the country’s primary ports with catchment areas, enabling goods to move seamlessly within the regional supply chain.
“As a result, CSP AD CFS will benefit from Etihad Rail’s end-to-end services that combine sustainability, speed to market, and are, most importantly, competitive. These enhanced logistics capabilities will attract more businesses to the region, further establishing the UAE as a global trade hub and contributing to the diversification of the national economy.”
Yu Bin, General Manager of CSP Abu Dhabi CFS at COSCO SHIPPING Ports, noted that the MoU marks a “significant milestone” in enhancing its logistics and transportation capabilities.
“This partnership aligns with our commitment to providing seamless, efficient, and sustainable transport solutions to our clients. By integrating rail transport into our service offerings, we aim to improve the connectivity between our facilities and key markets, reduce transit times, and lower our carbon footprint.”