VLI Inaugurates New Operational Control Center at São Luís Port Terminal (TPSL)

VLI recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art Operational Control Center (CCO) at the São Luís Port Terminal (TPSL) in the capital of Maranhão State. This new facility underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, agility, and security in local operations critical for the flow of production from Matopiba and the states of Pará, Goiás, and Mato Grosso, situated in the heart of the Northern Rail Corridor managed by VLI.

The advanced technology deployed in the new CCO enables VLI to automate processes, including stock control in silos and warehouses. Moreover, the introduction of automation systems for unloading and loading, coupled with closed-circuit TV, significantly elevates operational safety levels, facilitating the operation of larger volumes with efficiency.

Douglas Marques, VLI’s General Manager of Terminals and Ports in the Northern System, emphasizes the company’s strategic focus on enhancing customer value through increased shipment efficiency. “The ports of Arco Norte, accessed through the North-South Railway, serve as the natural conduit for the region’s production flow, making them increasingly vital for Brazilian exports. VLI stands as a key partner in this regional development,” he asserts.

At TPSL, operations encompass railway unloading of soybeans, corn, pig iron, and manganese, alongside shipboarding for these commodities.

This investment reflects VLI’s dedication to fortifying regional infrastructure. Recently, the company acquired 168 Hopper HTT wagons and three locomotives to bolster operations on the North-South Railway, entailing an investment of approximately R$200 million. These wagons are already operational, facilitating the transportation of harvest yields.

Moreover, VLI achieved record cargo throughput in the Northern Corridor last year, totaling 14.5 billion TKU (Tonne-kilometre), surpassing the previous year’s record of 14.1 billion TKU. Similarly, the São Luís Port Terminal witnessed its best performance, handling 5.6 million tons compared to 5.4 million in 2022.

Explaining CCO

The CCO serves as a central hub equipped with monitoring cameras overseeing all port operations, including personnel and machinery movement while coordinating operations and maintenance. It functions as a centralized command center, managing equipment startup, communication flows with the railway, and port and maritime agency operations.

The restructuring of the Operational Control Center room ensures optimal performance, overseeing equipment, radio communication systems, and IT infrastructure.

Agility in Ship Queue Management

The CCO’s implementation directly impacts ship waiting times at the São Luís Port Terminal, streamlining docking and undocking operations according to plan. “The Operational Control Center is the nerve center of the port, ensuring an orderly ship queue and smooth operations,” concludes Marques.

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