PITTSBURGH — Global mining company Vale has finalized an agreement with Wabtec to purchase 50 new Evolution Series locomotives for two railways in Brazil, the companies have announced.
The order calls for 36 EVOBBW locomotives for the Vitória a Minas Railroad (EFVM) and 14 ES58ACi locomotives for the Carajás Railroad (EFC). The locomotives will be built at Wabtec’s Contagem, Brazil, plant, with deliveries beginning 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,” Carlos Medeiros, vice president of operations at Vale, said in a press release. “The renewal and modernization plan for the EFVM and EFC fleet is premised on contributing to the future of decarbonization in the rail sector.”
The locomotives will be able to operate with a higher-percentage blend of biodiesel fuel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The companies will conduct tests to assess the possibility of increasing the 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 Latin America president and regional leader. “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.”
