Ultracargo, the largest Brazilian independent provider of integrated logistics solutions for bulk liquid storage, will build a railroad turnout to connect the Company´s terminal of the Santos Port to the city´s existent railroad network. The initiative, part of the Company´s inland move strategy will be carried out in partnership with Granel, Vopak and the municipal township.
A memorandum of understanding regarding the intention between the companies involved and the municipal management was signed in June, at a symbolic event to launch the project, called “Keystone of the Areia Branca Complex.” The companies have committed to building a hospital with a pediatric ICU, a school, and a sports court to serve the local community, in exchange for an area on Via A, intended for the construction of the railroad tracks. The investment in the exchange will be R$ 85 million, divided among the companies, which must complete the works for the city of Santos until 2026. The rail turnout will be built later and has no scheduled date for completion yet. With its implementation, it is estimated to reduce almost 5 thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, considering only the load that Ultracargo plans to move in its city terminal, besides the reduction of sound pollution.
For Décio Amaral, Ultracargo CEO, the construction of the turnout will represent a new level of logistics efficiency in Brazil. “The railroad turnout will enable to receive corn ethanol and send petrol derivates through the Southeast/Midwest corridor, leaving the Port of Santos, passing by Paulínia (SP), where we own 50% of the Opla Terminal, reaching Rondonópolis (MT). Thus, we will provide the flow of the production of this biofuel, fundamental for the transition to a low-carbon economy”, he explained.
Social investments
The city of Santos has been receiving strong investments for social projects from Ultracargo and Instituto Ultra, with own and incentivized resources. Among them is the support for the projects “Integrar Arte e Vida” (Integrate Arts and Life), that promotes sports and educational activities for children and adolescents enrolled in the public-school network in the regions served by Ultracargo. Over BRL 200,000 were invested in 2023, for the benefit of 240 young people.
The Free Operational Training Program, performed in 2023 for city dwellers, with 100% affirmative vacancies for women, is also a relevant incentive for training and employability of those professionals. Furthermore, the projects with the NGO “Friendly Hand” (Mão Amiga) will provide basic and middle-school education for children, besides cultural, sports and social development activities for 360 students in coming years at Morro Santa Maria.
“We are aware of our responsibility and our potential to contribute to society, and this commitment is also present in the partnership we have established with Vopak, Granel and the Township of the city of Santos, where we will positively impact the lives of thousands of people living in Baixada Paulista.”