ETIHAD Rail has awarded Ensco Rail a contract to supply a track inspection vehicle for the national railway network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

The vehicle will be manufactured by Socofer, France, and will be equipped with a rail flaw detection system supplied by Ensco.

Ensco is also suppling an inspection system for point assets such as turnouts. The company will provide data analysis services over the 15-year term of the contract.

Phase 1 of the Etihad Rail network has been fully operational for freight and passenger services since 2016.

Phase 2 is well advanced, with 75% of the project completed in less than 28 months despite the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Ensco’s engineers have pioneered the use of advanced inspection measurement technology, high-resolution imaging technologies, and automation software to provide Etihad Rail with cutting-edge tools to ensure track safety while increasing efficiency and productivity,” says Ensco president, Mr Geoff Stevens.