Noatum Logistics, a division of the AD Ports Group, has just announced the launch of a rail logistics operation designed to enhance the freight transport network in the Middle East.
This new initiative, which complements the company’s existing suite of regional freight forwarding services, marks a significant expansion into rail logistics. The inaugural service began with a rail shuttle operating between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals, leveraging the UAE’s national railway infrastructure managed by Etihad Rail.
The newly introduced rail shuttle service is poised to make a substantial impact on the logistics sector by providing a viable alternative to road transportation. This service aims to alleviate some of the pressure from road networks by offering a reliable and efficient means of transporting large volumes of overland freight. The rail shuttle, which will have weekly departures, is equipped to carry up to 156 20-foot containers or 78 40-foot containers per train, thus significantly increasing the capacity of the regional logistics network.
Each train can carry up to 156 20-foot containers or 78 40-foot containers, offering significant capacity to the logistics network.
The service is expected to offer abundant advantages, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental sustainability. By integrating rail with existing trucking services, Noatum Logistics is set to create a synergistic transport solution that benefits various market participants across the regional network. The introduction of rail logistics is anticipated to provide an alternative transport option that can handle bulk, containerized, oversized, and general cargo effectively, especially over medium to long distances.
Looking ahead, Noatum Logistics plans to adapt the service based on regional demand. The company has indicated that there may be an increase in the frequency of weekly departures for the Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals shuttle if there is sufficient demand. Moreover, Noatum Logistics is also exploring the possibility of launching additional shuttle services across a broader regional rail network in the future.
