The National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol and Portland (Ancap) will start using the Central Railway to transport fuel and portland, which would allow better distribution along the Uruguay and would lower the costs of the state company.
The inauguration of Central Railway Not only did it mean an opportunity to transport pulp from the UPM of Paso de los Toros, but several state and private companies were interested in using the means of transportation that became a milestone in the management of Luis Lacalle Pou.
From the state company they announced that they would use the Central Railway for transportation portland and fuels through connection Peach-Paysandúfor which works would have to be carried out in the La Teja Refinery to be able to exploit it.
To enter the train refinery, a freight operator will be needed, although the necessary tankers are already available to transport the fuel.
Agreements and improvements
In 2021, Ancap and the State Railway Administration (AFE) They proposed an agreement establishing the exchange of logistics services, real estate and materials. However, the contract has not yet been signed by both organizations and the objective this year is to advance in the completion of the initiative.
Furthermore, the interest on the part of Ancap It will allow AFE to plan its future loads, through a subsidiary company, which will allow it to compete in the railway sector.
Among the improvements represented by the agreement between Ancap and the Central Railway There is an impact on the final price of fuel, due to lower costs. But it will also be possible to advance in a better distribution in primary freight, which could represent an increase in the level of loads.
Waiting for more interested parties
He Central Railway made his first trip between Centennial Town and Montevideo last week, a key work for logistics and foreign trade in Uruguay.
For the government it is a historical fact that contributes to improving the “competitiveness” and that it will have “a fundamental role in the development of the country.” The maiden voyage of Central Railway —which, in reality, was a test trip with half of its available capacity used— is the beginning of the end of a work long awaited by the government, and part of the mega investment agreed with the Finnish company.
Taking into account that UPM will only use 50% of the capacity of the railway infrastructure, even when it gradually manages to reach four daily trips, the government is now waiting for the completion of offers and expressions of interest from the operators, some of which he already talks with.
“There are many agreements, one may possibly be closing in a few days,” said the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, José Luis Falero, in this regard, at a press conference, and added that “that clearly shows us that it is not the UPM train, it is the Railway that will circulate in Uruguay”.
Source: Ambito
