AG-Fips Hits the Ground Running With Railway Lines Improvements in Port of Santos

The Port of Santos Internal Railway Management Association (AG-Fips) has initiated the structural works outlined in the contract signed with the Federal Government. The three railway lines of the Macuco Yard are already operational after two months.

“The three lines of the Macuco Yard will serve the pulp hub on the Right Bank and the Conceicãozinha Yard, which will cater to terminals on the Left Bank of the Port,” stated AG-Fips President João Almeida.

Another significant project in progress is the railway turning loop, considered strategic for operations.

“The procedures for the start of the project have already begun, with the contractor mobilized and construction sites being established. Based on the preliminary analysis, it is expected to be completed by early 2026, with possible adjustments to the schedule (either advancement or extension), as with any project of this magnitude,” explained Almeida.

With two months of operation, João Almeida provides an upbeat assessment of the current infrastructure of the Internal Railway of the Port of Santos. “Despite intermittent rains during October, the assessment is positive. The management transition was successfully executed without impacting operations.” Over the past two months, approximately eight million tons were moved, according to AG-Fips.

“Fips has a robust railway network, a result of investments made in recent years by the previous management. With the new investments planned by Fips, we are confident that the Port of Santos railway system will be improved,” said Almeida. Fips was operated by Portofer until September 30.

2024

Asked about the upcoming projects starting in January, Almeida stated, “Schedules will be defined in collaboration with the Port Authority of Santos (APS). We are conducting technical surveys to develop conceptual projects, and the schedule will be aligned based on these definitions.

However, the transport capacity is expected to remain the same next year. “We expect to handle around 51 million tons in 2024.”

As per the contract, the company is expected to invest around R$1 billion over five years in structural works to expand the cargo handling capacity from 51 million tons to 115 million.

The project encompasses 13 works, including the railway yard between Canal 4 and Ponta da Praia, three railway lines for pulp terminal service, viaducts to eliminate level crossings, pedestrian overpasses, and the railway turning loop.

Regarding the project timeline, “definitions are in negotiations and will follow what is agreed upon in the concession contract,” affirmed Almeida.

Private Concession

The Fips administration is a specific-purpose society (SPE) formed by Rumo Logística, MRS Logística, and VLI.

The private concession agreement was signed on December 16, 2022, with the then Ministry of Infrastructure for a term of 35 years, extendable for an equal period, for the management, operation, maintenance, and expansion of the internal railway of the Port of Santos.

Operations commenced on October 1, when the first Fips locomotive went into operation, one day after the termination agreement between Portofer Transporte Ferroviário and APS was signed.

Source: A Tribuna

Click here to read the original news text: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/ag-fips-da-andamento-a-obras-de-tres-linhas-ferreas-do-porto-de-santos

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