By: AGBI

Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, and Hafeet Rail are to establish a freight rail service between Sohar in Oman, and Abu Dhabi.

Noatum will operate the service once Hafeet Rail’s network is completed.

Seven container trains will run per week, each with a capacity of 276 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The target is an annual throughput of 193,200 TEUs, the state-run Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

There will be trains for 20, 40 and 45-foot containers, carrying general cargo, manufactured goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, agrifoods and other essential supplies.

“Our agreement will reinforce regional supply chains, unlock new opportunities, and support the economic integration of the UAE and Oman through infrastructure-led collaboration,” said Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of Noatum Logistics.

Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, said the service will strengthen trade between the countries.

In September 2024 Noatum Logistics launched a rail shuttle service connecting Khalifa Port to Fujairah Terminals, using the UAE’s national railway system developed by Etihad Rail. 

AD Ports acquired Noatum, a Spain-based integrated logistics company, for AED2.5 billion ($680 million) in November 2022.

The company’s shares closed nearly 6 percent higher at AED4.75 on October 24, down nearly 7 percent so far this year.

AD Ports has a free float of nearly 25 percent, with sovereign wealth fund ADQ owning the rest.