VLI Invests R$ 200 Million in 168 New Wagons to Enhance Cargo Transport

VLI, a leading logistics company operating railways, ports, and terminals, has bolstered its fleet with 168 new hopper wagons designed for cargo transportation along the North-South Railway (FNS). These wagons, bought last year from Greenbrier Maxion, based in Hortolândia (SP), represent a significant investment totaling R$ 200 million. This investment package also includes three locomotives earmarked for operations in the region, underlining VLI’s commitment to fortifying the national railway sector. The Northern Corridor, which stretches across Tocantins and Maranhão, encompasses the northern segment of the North-South Railway, managed by VLI, as well as the Carajás Railway, where the company operates under a right-of-passage arrangement to access the port system of São Luís. Additionally, the corridor boasts three integrator terminals situated in Palmeirante and Porto Nacional, Tocantins, and Porto Franco, Maranhão.

Alisson Ruas, General Operations Manager of the Northern Corridor at VLI, emphasizes the significance of the new wagon fleet, stating, “The new fleet of wagons will not only enhance our transportation capacity but also improve our service to producers in the region. We remain committed to meticulous planning and operational excellence to further enhance efficiency for our clients.”

The surge in transportation capacity aligns with VLI’s consistent growth in cargo volumes along the Northern Corridor. In 2023, the company achieved a record volume of 14.5 billion TKU (tonnes per kilometer) on the route, surpassing the previous year’s record of 14.1 billion. Furthermore, VLI attained its highest performance at the São Luís Port Terminal last year, handling 5.6 million tonnes compared to 5.4 million in 2022.

In addition to transporting grains, VLI facilitates the movement of fuels, mineral inputs, and fertilizers within the Northern Corridor. Notably, the company inaugurated fertilizer transportation operations in 2023 through a partnership with the Port Operating Company of Itaqui (Copi). This collaborative venture, backed by investments exceeding R$ 400 million, boasts a capacity of handling 1.5 million tonnes annually.

The inauguration of the corridor marks the initial phase of a significant regional transformation, facilitating the establishment of a substantial industrial hub at the Palmeirante Integrator Terminal and its surrounding areas. This development presents opportunities for land leasing to fertilizer producers, agribusiness traders, and other industries. The strategic advantage lies in the enhanced efficiency afforded by the terminal’s proximity to railway operations and its ample storage capacity. Last year, Mosaic and Ultracargo announced investments for establishing operations at this location.

Regarding the wagons, the Hopper HTT models from Greenbrier Maxion offer several key advantages, including a reduction in length without compromising volume, decreased tare weight, and extended service life. These optimizations result in an increased load capacity per train. Additionally, the wagons feature a rapid discharge system and internal lining with special paint, preventing cargo retention. Furthermore, the integration of the Motion Control truck system enhances performance, reduces component wear, minimizes fuel consumption, and improves safety standards.

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