Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), one of the world’s largest builders of diesel-electric locomotives, will design and manufacture seven heavy haul freight locomotives for delivery by 2012.A major milestone for the AED40 billion project, the locomotives contract award is timed to support Etihad Rail’s plan to have the first trains running in 2013.Following a competitive tender process, Etihad Rail awarded the contract to the US-based company to design, manufacture, deliver, test and commission locomotives for stage 1 of the Etihad Rail network, running from Shah to Ruwais.Etihad Rail CEO Richard Bowker said: “We are excited to be working with Electro-Motive Diesel as we are confident they will be able to provide stage 1 of our railway with locomotives designed and engineered to withstand the demanding climatic conditions of this region.“With the expertise of EMD, our locomotives will incorporate the latest emissions compliance technology, enabling the Etihad Rail network to provide many environmental benefits in addition to the positive economic and social impact rail brings as a whole.”Etihad Rail will develop a 266 km route in the Western Region that will carry trains transporting up to 22,000 tons of granulated sulfur daily from sources in Shah and Habshan for export abroad at the port of Ruwais.This route marks the first phase of the 1,200 km mixed-traffic network that will span across the Emirates - providing a modern, safe, and efficient method of transport for both freight and passengers.The Etihad Rail network will also link the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.“We couldn’t be more pleased with the vote of confidence placed in EMD by Etihad Rail,” said Glen Lehmann, chief marketing officer, International, for EMD.