The Logistics Sector on the Southern Shores of the Western ... - cetmo

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong> <strong>Sector</strong>on the Southern Shores of the Western Mediterranean October 2010• <strong>The</strong>re is still no rail-transport market, either public or as complementary private transportfor industrial companies.<strong>The</strong> planned railway network will carry passengers and freight. For freight, the networkwill service the ports and provide access to the facilities of large companies and industrialareas.Regulation and Government Control• <strong>The</strong> government is drawing up legislation for the rail network. Its intention is to separatethe infrastructure administrator from the rail company, in accordance with the Europeanmodel.Business Structure• Although a final decision has yet to be made, the government’s intention is to create aState rail company that will provide services during the initial stage. This will enable theMinistry of Transportation to gain a thorough understanding of the operational andcommercial aspects of rail transport. Later, the possibility of privatizing the service can bestudied.Service Provision• <strong>The</strong> new network will cover 3,170 km and consist of two lines (see Figure 1.3.3-1 below):a double-track, standard-gauge coastal line covering 2,178 km and a single-track (duringthe first stage) line going south covering 992 km. <strong>The</strong> maximum axle weight for both lineswill be 25 tonnes, which will allow for the transportation of heavy loads. UIC standardswill be applied for technical operation and safety conditions.<strong>The</strong> infrastructure is being built by a Chinese-Russian joint venture and the electrificationand signalling is being done by an Italian company. <strong>The</strong> rolling-stock specifications haveyet to be decided, but the network will use electric and diesel locomotives.Figure 1.3.3.1. - Planned rail networkCETMO 47