VLI Sets Record for Sugar Cargo Throughput on Centro-Atlântica Railway Despite Lower Harvest

Despite a 5.3% drop in sugar production in Brazil’s Center-South region during the 2024/2025 harvest, logistics company VLI achieved a historic milestone: 6.2 million tonnes of sugar were transported via the Centro-Atlântica Railway (FCA)—the highest volume ever recorded by the company. This performance underscores VLI’s operational resilience and strategic adaptability in challenging weather conditions.

At the port level, VLI maintained its performance from the previous cycle, exporting 5.0 million tonnes of sugar through the Luiz Antônio Mesquita Port Terminal (Tiplam), located in the Baixada Santista region of São Paulo state.

Tackling Climate Challenges with Innovation

The latest harvest was impacted by adverse weather that led to greater compaction of sugar, making unloading significantly more difficult. VLI responded by co-developing innovative logistics solutions with its clients:

• Pneumatic tampers to facilitate wagon unloading
• Rest periods at the Guará (SP) and Uberaba (MG) terminals
• Warehouse misting systems to regulate sugar temperature and reduce compaction

“These results are a testament to our operational and strategic innovation, developed in close collaboration with our clients,” said Marcelo Cardoso, Operations Director of VLI’s Southeast Corridor. “The FCA has unique characteristics, and we’ve been able to maximize efficiency and contribute meaningfully to our customers’ performance and Brazil’s economy.”

Positive Impact on Sugar Exporters

The logistics improvements generated direct commercial benefits for clients. Czarnikow, a key exporter, increased its sugar volume loaded at Tiplam by 32% compared to the previous harvest.

Southeast Corridor: High-Performance Logistics

The Southeast Corridor of the FCA covers the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, and the Federal District, handling key commodities such as sugar, grains, and fertilizers. Its infrastructure includes two integrator terminals (Uberaba and Guará) that connect directly to Tiplam via rail.

The fully rail-based export operations through Tiplam boost cargo efficiency and reduce environmental impact—rail transport emits up to nine times less CO₂ than road freight. Additionally, it helps ease congestion in the Baixada Santista urban region.

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