Rome, 12 May 2017
Consultancy, knowledge sharing to develop integrated railway systems, supply of rolling stock, and technical assistance. These are the basic elements of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Montevideo by Ferrovie Italiane and Uruguayan railways for stable cooperation between the two railway companies, in different technical areas, which further strengthen existing agreements.
The relationship between FS Italiane Group and Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado (AFE), the manager both of the Uruguayan network and the country’s rail transport services, began in 2005 with a previous MoU and Trenitalia’s sale of 300 wagons.
AFE, in its strategic development plan 2017-2022, foresees important investments in infrastructure work and the acquisition of rolling stock so as to modernise the overall railway system.
The signing of this new MoU is a sign of the reciprocal wish for collaboration that the two railway companies are developing in the areas which have been indicated as a priority: the supply of rolling stock, the development of the national railway network and training of Uruguayan railway staff.
The Uruguayan railway network covers around 2,900 km, with single-track lines and diesel locomotives. There are currently around 1,600 km of track which is mainly dedicated to goods traffic. Passenger trains operate in the Montevideo area.
Over the past few weeks, the FS Italiane Group has received a request from AFE for the supply of a further 200 wagons (hopper, flat, covered wagons), that will be used for transporting cellulose, cereals and ballast. Polo Mercitalia has already presented an offer, which is currently being assessed by AFE.
AFE has also selected the Paso Los Toros–Montevideo line for the first technological and infrastructure enhancement work that will mean that the standards of the line can be increased and the commercial speed can be raised to 80 km/h. The enhancement project is worth around 500 million dollars. The 270-km line is essential for the transport of cellulose, which accounts for around two million tonnes of freight a year.