GovWire

• 781m support unlocked by UK Export Finance equivalent to 680m will enable Rnesans Holding to finish construction of a high-speed electrified railway connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep

• Offering a lower-emission transport link between Turkeys second-largest container port and inland cities over 150 miles away, the railway is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by over 150,000 tonnes a year

• UKEFs backing creates multimillion-pound export contract opportunities for UK suppliers to the rail sector

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK governments export credit agency, has underwritten 781m of financing equivalent to 680m to support construction of a 286km high-speed electric railway in southern Turkey.

With financing provided through UKEFs Buyer Credit Facility, Rnesans Holding will finish construction of the Mersin-Adana-Gaziantep High Speed Railway on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Transport.

The deal is expected to create new, multimillion-pound export contract opportunities for the UKs infrastructure, engineering and project management sectors, supporting the Prime Ministers priority of growing the UK economy.

This signals key future opportunities for UK exporters, with Rnesans Holding one of Europes ten largest construction companies intending to use the high-speed rail project to build its wider relationships with the UK supply chain.

Lord Offord, Minister for Exports, said:

The UK-Turkey trading relationship is going from strength to strength. Last year, UK exports to Turkey reached 8.5 billion, and this week we announced plans for an updated trade deal that will further boost exports and imports between our countries.

UK Export Finances backing for this transformative high-speed railway adds to this success story. This deal shows that the UK, home to the worlds first railway system, still moves full steam ahead with its export of railroad innovation and expertise.

UKEFs backing which has been given on the condition that UK exporters supply to the project will support continued economic growth in the UK, in line with the governments priorities; Rnesans Holding has already engaged with UK suppliers to negotiate contracts for electronic infrastructure, ESG consultancy services, catenary and mechanical components.

UKEF worked in partnership with J.P. Morgan, ING Bank and BNP Paribas, who provided the loan, as well as SACE and OeKB the Italian and Austrian export credit agencies providing reinsurance to secure this landmark deal for Turkish rail infrastructure.

Dr. Erman Il?cak, President of Rnesans Holding, said:

Were thrilled to be working with UKEF, JP Morgan, ING and BNP to secure a deal that will enable a landmark shift in the Turkish construction of rail links and the high-speed railway project.

By upgrading the existing railway line to a high standard railway line, we will be actively reducing negative environmental impact while offering a lower-carbon travel alternative and significantly enhancing the regions industrial connectivity and trade. Rnesans Holding takes immense pride in contributing to Turkeys national environmental goals and infrastructure advancement.

Our fruitful collaboration with British Exporters has secured 781m in financing for the transformative high-speed electrified railway in southern Turkey, adding tremendous value to the cooperation between Trkiye and UK exports and services while paving the way for exciting global partnerships.

John Meakin, Global Head of Export and Agency Finance at J.P. Morgan, said:

This project is expected to reduce traffic congestion on themotorways and promote more sustainable transportation in the region. We are honoured to have the responsibility to deliver the financing for this impactful project while supporting UK exporters providing goods, services and notable technical expertise.

In replacing the current railway, which relies on diesel locomotives, the electrified line will provide a lower-carbon alternative to existing routes between Mersin and Gaziantep. Project forecasts suggest that the completed route will save 157,000 tonnes in CO2e emissions in its first year alone.

The UKEF-backed project will also contribute directly to Turkeys objective of increasing high-speed railway coverage to 10,000km, by creating a rail link greater than the distance between Cardiff and London.

Able to carry trains travelling up to 200 km/h, this transport link is a major step forwards for regional infrastructure and growth. The high-speed railway will reduce the travel time from Gaziantep via regional cities Adana and Osmaniye to Mersin by four hours; Mersin is the second largest container port in the country and a thriving city of over one million people.

Treasury and Finance Minister for Trkiye, Mehmet ?im?ek, said:

Mersin, Adana and Gaziantep are among the highly industrialised and important cities of the region with their deep-rooted cultural heritage. This project will ensure a reduction of transportation costs, decrease travel time between Mersin and Gaziantep and strengthen our railway connectivity.

In this regard, this project is crucial for economic, social and environmental integration. We are very grateful to our trading partner UKEF for their contribution to this important project, which will expand the national railway network.

The most important aim of the project is to improve the rail connectivity and create a sustainable alternative transportation scheme in Trkiye. We look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration with new projects on the way of development of Trkiye.

Gaziantep, the railways eastern terminus, was near the epicentre of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck Turkey in February 2023. The UKEF-backed project for completing this railway will also contribute to reconstruction in Gaziantep, Osmaniye and other areas of southern Turkey severely damaged in this disaster.

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