Posted by Daniel Gleeson on fifth June 2024
Vale and Wabtec have introduced a grasp service settlement (MSA) to additional enhance the effectivity and operations of the Evolution Collection (EVO) Locomotive fleet on the Estrada de Ferro Carajás (EFC), in Brazil.
The strategic 10-year deal, valued at R$1.8 billion ($341 million), will optimise the upkeep providers for Vale’s fleet growing availability, reliability and the potential for expanded freight transport on the EFC connecting the southeast of Pará to the capital of Maranhão, São Luís, Vale says. The EFC is round 1,000-km-long, masking 28 municipalities. The railway department is round 100-km-long and connects EFC to the S11D venture, in Canaã dos Carajás.
Carlos Medeiros, Vice President of Operations at Vale, mentioned: “This long-term strategic settlement means a brand new normal of reliability, availability and security for EFC locomotives, reinforcing our dedication to persistently spend money on the standard and expertise of our railway operations and promote the technological growth of the railway sector in Brazil.”
Wabtec will analyse locomotive efficiency knowledge from the final three years at EFC. The corporate additionally will present real-time monitoring on 5,000 parameters of the EVO locomotives working on the railway. Wabtec’s International Efficiency Optimisation Facilities will consider the information and determine alternatives for steady efficiency enchancment and optimization of upkeep cycles, lowering towing and failure charges.
Danilo Miyasato, President and Regional Chief of Wabtec in Latin America, mentioned: “Wabtec has a confirmed historical past of offering built-in providers designed to maximise reliability and availability of shoppers’ locomotives at optimum working prices. This contract reinforces our long-standing working relationship with Vale to drive sustainable and environment friendly development of EFC’s railway operations.”
Along with planning and supplying components for preventive upkeep, the settlement foresees the creation of specialized jobs in São Luís, contributing to the native financial system and strengthening regional infrastructure, Vale says.
Vale and Wabtec have labored collectively for nearly three a long time to provide locomotives, supplies and parts for the EFC. In July 2023, the 2 firms additionally introduced an settlement for the acquisition of three FLXdrive battery locomotives, which is able to function for the EFC, which represents an necessary step in its journey in direction of decarbonisation.
