Brazil – Signing of two new contracts

In August 2022, SOMAFEL signed two contracts in Brazil with companies controlled by CSN – Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional.

For FTL – Ferrovia Transnordestina Logística S.A., the project consists of track renovation, replacing wooden sleepers with concrete sleepers, and yard remodeling, including replacing TR32/37 profile rails with TR68 profile and yard rails.

FTL is a private company that has been transporting rail freight since 1998 and has the concession of Malha Nordeste from the former Rede Ferroviária Federal S.A. Currently, the railway line in operation, with 1,237 km in metric gauge, connects the ports of Itaqui (São Luis/MA), Pecém (São Gonçalo do Amarante/CE) and Mucuripe (Fortaleza/CE), promoting integration and streamlining the regional economy. In 2021, the company transported 2.9 million tons of varied cargo, such as cellulose, fuel and cement, among others.

For Transnordestina Logística (TLSA) and in a consortium, the project consist of construction of 50.2 km of track superstructure, in 1600mm and 1000mm gauges, without application of the 3rd rail, in lot MVP01 of the Transnordestina railroad, section Missão Velha – Pecém, in Ceará.

This railroad is the largest linear work underway in Brazil. Extending for 1,753 km on the main line, the world-class railroad passes through the State of Piauí, towards the ports of Pecém, in Ceará, and Suape, in Pernambuco, and will have the capacity to transport 30 million tons per year, with emphasis on solid bulk (ore and grains). Transnordestina is a key link in boosting the economy of the Northeast and brings Brazil closer to the main world markets.