Vale has announced an agreement with Wabtec Corporation to acquire 50 new Evolution Series Locomotives for Vitória a Minas Railroad (EFVM) and Carajás Railroad (EFC). The order is a major step in Vale’s fleet modernisation initiative and decarbonisation program to improve the efficiency and reduce emission of its rail operations. Wabtec will manufacture the locomotives at its plant in Contagem, Brazil with deliveries starting in 2026.
“Vale has chosen locomotives that have consolidated performance in the market and are aligned with the company’s focus on sustainability, efficiency and safety,” said Carlos Medeiros, Vice President of Operations at Vale. “The renewal and modernisation plan for the EFVM and EFC fleet is premised on contributing to the future of decarbonisation in the rail sector.”
Vale’s fleet renewal plan features the addition of 36 Wabtec EVOBBW locomotives for EFVM, and 14 Wabtec ES58ACi locomotives for EFC. These locomotives are among the most modern on the market and will be able to operate with higher blend of biodiesel, which will lower greenhouse emissions. Vale and Wabtec plan to conduct tests to assess the possibility of increasing this biodiesel percentage in the future.
“We are proud to support Vale and our customers with advanced technologies that reduce CO2 emissions and promote operational efficiency,” said Danilo Miyasato, Wabtec LATAM President and Regional Leader. “Wabtec is at the forefront of innovation and committed to decarbonisation and greater efficiency in the rail sector. We are investing in innovative and sustainable technologies and in the development of engines that use alternative fuels, for a future of zero-emission rail transport.”
The Evolution Series family of locomotives are equipped with advanced diesel engine technology. This engine provides significant gains in operational efficiency through fuel savings, longer maintenance intervals, and lower operating costs. The AC traction motors also improve the hauling capacity by more than 50%. Already in operation on the Carajás Railroad, this model will now become part of the Vitória a Minas Railroad fleet.
This model also allows for advances in the EFVM decarbonisation program. Compared to FDL engine, the Evolution Series model provides reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It also enables the transition to alternative fuels in the future. Finally, with wider cabs, these locomotives ensure greater ergonomics and comfort, as well as an easily accessible location for on-board systems, facilitating improved maintenance.
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