Eurogate has acquired 16.67% of Contrail Logistica S.A., a provider of intermodal transport solutions in the hinterland of Santos. Santos is Brazil’s largest port and, with over 3.6 million TEU handled in 2014, it is South America’s largest container port.
Contrail Logistica is planning to expand its intermodal network, involving its own inland terminal, for the Santos – São Paulo – Campinas and São José dos Campos corridor. More than 30% of Brazil’s GDP is generated in the state of São Paulo.
Thomas Eckelmann, Chairman of the Eurograte Group Management Board and responsible for the area of intermodal transport, international shareholdings and business development, said: “Eurogate is continuously seeking new investment opportunities to expand the group on an international level.
“In Europe, with our German and Italian companies, we have proven that we have the know-how to expand intermodal transport networks, and we are now transferring this knowledge to Brazil. Many of our shipping company customers call at Santos as part of their liner services and need efficient, reliable connections to the port’s hinterlands, notably São Paulo and beyond to Campinas. Thus, we see a huge demand in this area and long-term growth possibilities.”
Guilherme Quintella, Chairman of the Board of Contrail, said: “Contrail has the opportunity to change the transportation matrix in the region of Santos and increase the overall rail market share from 2% to 20%.
“We will develop a new logistics system to transport containers by rail between Santos and the state of São Paulo, including a network of intermodal facilities, double-stack cars and a new rail hub in Santos. Eurogate brings credibility to Contrail, with regard to operation skills, and relationships to market actors within the global container market.”
Eurogate has the option to acquire an additional 16.67% at any time by June 30, 2018 and to increase its share to a total of 33.34%.
