VLI signs a new partnership with Hidrovias do Brasil to focus on the development of Ferrogrão

VLI will combine its knowledge with Hidrovias do Brasil to study a new solution in multimodal logistics for Ferrogrão

The logistics company VLI and Hidrovias do Brasil SA, a logistics operator focused on water transport, announced this Thursday (27) a partnership for the joint technical evaluation of the Ferrogrão project.

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Understand the purpose of the partnership between VLI and Hidrovias

Ferrogrão is of paramount importance in leveraging the flow of grains through Arco Norte and is also part of a 993 km line between Miritituba (PA) and Sinop (MT). Through the partnership, VLI and Hidrovias do Brasil will combine their knowledge in the study of a new multimodal logistics solution for Ferrogrão and also in the search for a new investor to act in the continuation of the project.

According to the CEO of VLI, Ernesto Pousada, Arco Norte paves the way for Brazil's growth in an efficient, planned and sustainable way. The infrastructure that is under development is organized by the Federal Government so that the Ferrogrão project adds value to users and also reduces the total logistical cost.

For Pousada, the region is closer to the final destination of the agro cargo exported by Brazil, contributing to a much lower logistical cost for the customer, also causing less fuel to be used and less pollutants to be emitted.

VLI activities in the Brazilian market

With an accumulated growth of approximately 90% in volumes transported by rail in recent years, VLI already has a strong presence in the region through operations such as the Center-North corridor, which includes the states of Maranhão and Tocantins.

The progress of the indicators follows the amplification of the structure that has been implemented by the company in the North of the country for some years now, which includes Integrator Terminals of Palmeirante and Porto Nacional, in Tocantins.

In addition, in the last five years, around R$ 1 billion was invested by VLI in the corridor, in rolling stock and track improvements, bringing even more efficiency to the operation.

Presence of Hidrovias do Brasil in Arco Norte

Hidrovias do Brasil also operates in the integrated logistics service for continuous transporters focused on river navigation in Arco Norte. Currently, Hidrovias do Brasil's capacity in the Northern Corridor is represented by its own fleet of tugboats and barges used to move products, the Cargo Transhipment Station (ETC) in Miritituba, and the Private Use Terminal in Barcarena.

Last year, the volume transported in the Northern Corridor grew by 46%, reaching 6,3 million tons compared to the previous year. For Fabio Schettino, CEO of Hidrovias do Brasil, Ferrogrão is a very important project for the country. The company is discussing an innovative project for the competitiveness of agribusiness in Brazil and also for companies operating in this region.

He claims that the company's waterway logistics system in Arco Norte completes the Ferrogrão project, making the cargo arrive at more competitive prices at the exploration ports.