Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed a MoU with Transworld Logistics, a multi-faceted shipping and logistics company.

The agreement will provide Transworld Logistics – part of the UAE-based global conglomerate Transworld Group - with a new and economical mode of transport and help deliver a reliable, high volume service across rail and shipping networks.

"This agreement cements an important relationship between our two companies," said Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, the chief executive officer of Etihad Rail after signing the agreement with Mannan Balasubramanian, the general manager of Transworld Logistics.

"In addition to their warehousing and logistics offerings, the Transworld Group also represents other organisations including Orient Express Lines and Balaji Shipping Lines. The collaboration between Etihad Rail and Transworld Logistics highlights the importance of rail as a vital component of multi-modal transport in the Middle East," stated Al Mazrouei.

On the partnership, Balasubramanian said: "Once operational, the Etihad Rail network will transport large volumes of goods in an economical, safe and efficient manner. transforming the freight industry across the UAE. Etihad Rail will also provide an environmentally friendly method of transport, which is always a key consideration for us."

Established in 1976, Transworld Group is one of the leading international providers of multi-modal integrated logistics services in the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and South East Asia.

The group has three ship owning companies, based in India, UAE and Singapore. One of these is Orient Express Lines which is a common carrier feeder service that connects the Indian sub-continent with hub ports at Colombo and Jebel Ali.

The other is Balaji Shipping Lines, a leading carrier of refrigerated cargoes between Indian sub-continent and the Middle East. These organisations along with Transworld Logistics make up the group.

"We are confident that our partnership with Etihad Rail will create an even more effective goods transport service across the Middle East," stated Balasubramanian.

The Etihad Rail network will span 1,200 km across the UAE, providing both freight and passenger services. It will connect urban and peripheral communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development across all Emirates in the UAE.

The network will also form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network.-TradeArabia News Service