Five of the seven locomotives that will transport more than 2 million tons of pulp per year from UPM’s new plant in Paso de los Toros (Uruguay) to the port of Montevideo are now ready. This rail freight service will be operated by the DBCC Transport consortium, formed by Cointer (Grupo Azvi’s concessions company), Christophersen (CHR Group), and Deutsche Bahn International Operation.
These state-of-the-art locomotives, the most modern in Latin America, meet the highest environmental standards. During April and May, they will travel by sea from the port of Bilbao (Spain) to Montevideo, while the remaining two units will arrive during the second half of 2023.
PorTren, a joint venture between Christophersen (CHR Group) and Cointer, is responsible for providing all the rolling stock required for the service — a total of 7 locomotives and 140 specially designed wagons. The trains will consist of up to 26 wagons hauled by a single locomotive.
Freight rail service
Christophersen (CHR Group) and Cointer, together with Deutsche Bahn International Operations, through DBCC Transport, will handle the rail transport of pulp along the 273 km route connecting UPM’s new plant in Paso de los Toros with the port of Montevideo.
PorTren is also currently building a rail operation and maintenance center, which will include a 3,000 m² workshop fully equipped to service the entire rolling stock fleet, supported by a 1,000 m² administrative area.
The Operation and Maintenance Center will be the base for DBCC Transport, employing more than 60 people directly, all specially trained to ensure efficient and safe transport using this latest-generation railway technology.
Photos: Stadler
