VLI receives Wabtec locomotives for operations on the East Corridor of the Centro-Atlantica Railway

VLI, the logistics company that operates railways, ports and terminals, received on Monday (March 30) the last of seven new ES43BBi locomotives built by Wabtec, the global rail technology and transport solutions company. The locomotives will strengthen the fleet used in general cargo operations on the East Corridor of the Centro-Atlantica Railway, which links productive regions of Minas Gerais state to the port system of Espirito Santo state. The purchase is part of roughly 600 million reais in investments made by VLI for operations under the new regulatory model for rail freight transport agents, known as ATF-C. The other locomotives were delivered throughout February.

“The expansion of our rolling stock reinforces the continued strengthening of the East Corridor, which combines Minas Gerais’ rail tradition with Espirito Santo’s port vocation, opening routes for Brazil in the global market. The new locomotives strengthen that integration and allow us to offer an even more efficient, safe and low-carbon service for our clients’ logistics chain,” VLI Chief Executive Fabio Marchiori said.

The investments for ATF-C operations include the acquisition of locomotives and wagons, operational and structural adjustments, and the hiring of about 700 people in Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo.

With the new locomotives, VLI has now acquired 27 units since 2024 for operations on the FCA and on the northern stretch of the North-South Railway, which is also under the company’s concession.

Technology

The Evolution Series locomotives, produced by Wabtec in Contagem, Minas Gerais, are among the market’s most advanced and safest models for heavy-haul freight operations. They are equipped with high-efficiency diesel engines capable of operating on biofuels and can reduce fuel consumption, and therefore atmospheric emissions, by as much as 6% compared with other engines on the market.

The fleet incorporates Wabtec’s latest digital and safety technologies, including systems that monitor operator alertness, automatically manage speed and activate braking in high-risk situations. The locomotives also feature technologies designed to prevent accidents and continuously monitor critical operating parameters. Onboard systems track those parameters to increase both safety and asset availability.

“Delivering these locomotives to VLI is a source of great pride for Wabtec. We are committed to offering the best solutions to our customers by combining efficiency, reliability, safety and sustainability through lower-carbon logistics,” said Danilo Miyasato, president and regional leader of Wabtec Latin America.

ATF-C model

The move to operate as an ATF-C marks the beginning of VLI’s operations with its own trainsets along the Vitoria-Minas Railway. The Vale-controlled concession connects FCA’s East Corridor to the port system of Espirito Santo, handling cargoes such as grains, fertilizers, industrial inputs, and products from the steel and oil industries. About 22 million tonnes of cargo from VLI clients are transported annually along the EFVM.

Under the traditional model, general cargo transport used Vale locomotives and crews. With the new arrangement, VLI personnel and rolling stock will be able to provide general cargo service directly along the EFVM. The change gives VLI greater autonomy in scheduling and operating its trains, resulting in efficiency gains and fewer operational stops. Full implementation is expected by the second half of 2026.

Operations under the ATF-C model also stand out as an example of diversity at VLI, having begun with an entirely female supervisory structure, including both leaders and locomotive engineers. Women currently make up 30% of the area.

The new ATF-C model does not change Vale’s contractual obligations as concessionaire of the Vitoria-Minas Railway. Financial, investment, reporting and rail infrastructure maintenance responsibilities remain unchanged, as does responsibility for transporting passengers, general cargo and iron ore. The company said it remains committed to its employees and to society.

Source: VLI

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