Caterpillar, Inc., subsidiary Progress Rail and Brazilian logistics firm VLI on Feb. 10 reported celebrating the delivery of the last of eight EMD SD70ACe-BBs. Ordered in 2024 under a $38 million (R$ 200 million) contract, they will operate on the Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica (FCA/Centro-Atlântica Railway), transporting cargo between Brazil’s interior and the ports in the Southeast.
The new locomotives incorporate “advanced AC traction systems, improved adhesion control, and optimized fuel efficiency, features designed to help reduce lifecycle costs,” according to Progress Rail.
The companies also reported signing a maintenance services agreement (MSA) in October, focusing on VLI’s rail operations in the Northern Corridor, which connects the state of Tocantins to the port system of São Luís and serves the Matopiba agricultural region. It is Progress Rail’s first long-term maintenance agreement in South America; with a 10-year duration, it is valued at up to $96 million (R$ 500 million). The agreement was designed to “increase the availability and reliability of VLI’s locomotive fleet, meeting the growing demand for freight transport in the region,” VLI noted.
“VLI transports cargo from the main sectors that drive the Brazilian economy, such as agribusiness, civil construction and industry,” said Fábio Marchiori, CEO of VLI, which holds the concession for FCA and operates railways, ports, and terminals. “With new and modern locomotives, we also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing our role in building a low-carbon and more sustainable logistics network for the country.”
“It is an honor to be in Brazil with VLI and local dignitaries, celebrating a relationship rooted in innovation, reliability and customer focus,” Progress Rail Senior Vice President Brian Callear said during the celebration held Feb. 9. “VLI has a clear vision for operational excellence, and our collaboration will further strengthen locomotive availability and reliability to help meet the country’s growing demand for rail transport.”
“It is an honor to celebrate another milestone in our long-term relationship with VLI,” said Jack Zhang, Executive Vice President of Locomotives at Progress Rail. “These EMD® SD70ACE-BB locomotives reflect our shared commitment to innovation and the reliability of the Brazilian rail network. VLI has demonstrated leadership in advancing operational excellence, and we are proud to support this trajectory—not only through industry-proven locomotive technology, but also through our recently signed maintenance services agreement, the first of its kind in South America. Together, we are strengthening the Brazilian rail ecosystem and building the foundations for safer and more efficient freight transport for years to come.”
With the arrival of the eight EMD SD70ACe-BBs, VLI said it has acquired 27 locomotives since 2024, totaling investments of approximately $115.4 million (R$ 600 million). VLI in 2023 selected Wabtec to supply nine Evolution Series (ES43BBl) locomotives to support cargo transport on the FCA.
