Brazil-based Vale, a global mining company, recently placed an order with Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corp., a equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services provider for the freight and passenger rail industries, for 50 Evolution Series Locomotives.
The order is part of Vale’s fleet modernization initiative and decarbonization program, and the locomotives will serve the company’s Carajás Railroad and Vitória a Minas Railroad. The order includes 14 Wabtec ES58ACi locomotives for Carajás and 36 Wabtec EVOBBW locomotives for Vitória a Minas.
The locomotives operate with higher blend of biodiesel that reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), and are manufactured to transition to alternative fuels in the future. The engine also has longer maintenance intervals and lower operating costs.
“We are proud to support Vale and our customers with advanced technologies that reduce CO2 emissions and promote operational efficiency,” Danilo Miyasato, Wabtec LATAM president and regional leader, said. “Wabtec is at the forefront of innovation and committed to decarbonization 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.”
Wabtec will manufacture the locomotives at its Contagem, Brazil, facility. Deliveries will begin next year.