Brazil’s largest rail-based logistics operator set to use mobile satellite connectivity to increase delivery speed

Globalsat Group, through its Brazilian affiliate Globalsat do Brasil, has signed a multi-year contract with Rumo SA, the largest transport and logistics company in Latin America. In a deal that is set to significantly improve the running of Rumo’s Brazilian rail infrastructure, Globalsat Group will provide a solution leveraging satellite connectivity from Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, and Cobham connectivity terminals. This solution will connect Rumo’s cargo trains, increasing the speed with which goods can be transported across the country and improving the safety of trains, vehicles and the people operating them.

Rumo is responsible for managing 14,000km of railway track in Brazil, with the project initially focusing on 2000km of the Northern Railway which connects six key states to the Port of Santos. As most of the tracks pass through remote areas with unreliable or non-existent network coverage, train drivers, railway engineers and transport managers have no way of communicating effectively. As a result, drivers cannot receive live traffic updates and trains cannot progress until they receive updates from the control centre. This causes long delays to trains and creates a variety of logistical challenges as well as increased operational costs.  

The first stage of the project will begin in early 2020 and will see Globalsat Group equipping 300 of Rumo’s cargo trains, operating on this section of track, with Cobham EXPLORER 325 Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminals, EXPLORER Mobile Gateways and the PRISM PTT+ service,  delivering uninterrupted connectivity, even in the most isolated of areas without mobile coverage. This will enable accurate real-time tracking of each train as well as reliable voice and data communication between drivers, maintenance crews and regional control centres. The framework’s intent is to see 1,600 locomotives provisioned with highly reliable BGAN connectivity, ensuring an efficient, profitable and safe railway network.

Igor Falcao, Head of Globalsat do Brasil and Senior Vice President of Sales of Globalsat Group stated: “In Brazil, rail is the most important transportation channel for many industries including agriculture, commodities, forestry and consumer goods. So, a more efficient network means a stronger economy. Rumo’s rail network is the only one connecting the central state of Mato Grosso to the largest port in Latin America – Santos. The connectivity improvements being brought by mobile satellite communications will improve Rumo’s operations, making rail a more reliable and effective transport proposition that the Brazilian economy can depend on.”

Alberto Palacios, CEO Globalsat Group said: “Our solution is set to transform the way Rumo operates by providing much greater visibility over its assets and infrastructure, as well as reducing its costs. Globalsat Group has developed a compelling solution for rail network and logistics operators working in remote parts of South America, and we are delighted to be working with Rumo, the largest transport and logistics company in Brazil on this integral project.”

Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Enterprise added: “Inmarsat is proud to be helping enable this project, alongside our partners Globalsat Group and Cobham, in Brazil, a country in which we have a long history of working. Strong and consistent connectivity is pivotal for the continued growth of organisations across the country and satellite is enabling many infrastructure projects, taking productivity and efficiency gains to the next level.”

Henrik Nørrelykke, VP Global Sales & Marketing, Land, at Cobham SATCOM, said: “We are excited to be working with Inmarsat and Globalsat Group to bring our EXPLORER terminals and PRISM PTT+ service to the railway industry in Brazil. This is a great step to further expand our rollout of the EXPLORER Push-To-Talk services globally. With a five-year contract for our managed PRISM PTT+ service, Rumo is ensured high-speed connectivity and uninterrupted voice communications across its operations. This will greatly improve their safety and efficiency, and provide the necessary data for operational optimisation.”