mtu PowerPacks for Marco Polo Rail
Six mtu PowerPacks have been delivered for three Marcopolo Rail multiple units in Teresina, Brazil; a further six systems are planned for a follow-up project. The first train is scheduled to enter assisted operation service in October 2026
Rolls-Royce is supplying mtu PowerPacks for a rail vehicle project in Latin America for the first time. Marcopolo Rail is installing six mtu PowerPacks of the 6H1800R83 type in three diesel multiple units for the urban rail network in the Brazilian city of Teresina. The project marks the first collaboration between Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Marcopolo Rail and is also the first deployment of mtu PowerPacks in Latin America.
The multiple units are being built for urban local transport in Teresina in north-eastern Brazil. Marcopolo Rail is producing a total of seven vehicles in three train sets for this purpose. The first six mtu PowerPacks have already been delivered and are powering the first train, which will be in assisted operation service from October 2026. The system is operated by Companhia Ferroviária e de Logística do Piauí (CFLP).
For this project, Marcopolo Rail required a propulsion solution that could be used without continuous electrification. This requirement plays a key role in many rail projects in the region, as new services are often built on existing networks. The mtu PowerPack meets this requirement by combining the essential propulsion components into a single unit and integrating it directly into the rolling stock. This enables the multiple units to be operated independently of a continuous overhead line infrastructure. No additional investment in electrification infrastructure along the route is required.
Insights
“With the mtu PowerPacks, we are deploying self-sufficient vehicles that operate independently of overhead lines. This enables us to quickly introduce new rail lines on existing networks,” said Petras Amaral Santos, Executive Business Head at Marcopolo Rail.
“We are delighted to support Marcopolo Rail in the first deployment of mtu PowerPacks in Latin America. Our systems combine the key propulsion components into a single unit, enabling self-sufficient and reliable operation, even where railway lines are not continuously electrified. It is precisely this feature that makes the system suitable for projects such as Teresina,” said Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
Rail transport in transition
Several countries in South America are currently modernising existing railway lines and establishing new connections. The project in Teresina demonstrates how integrated propulsion systems can be deployed on networks that are not fully electrified.
The collaboration is already continuing with a further project. A further six mtu PowerPacks are due to be delivered by the end of 2026 for three light multiple units as part of the Arapiraca suburban rail project in Brazil. The project is jointly funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Transport, the state of Alagoas and the city of Arapiraca.
“We are delighted to support Marcopolo Rail in the first deployment of mtu PowerPacks in Latin America. Our systems combine the key propulsion components into a single unit and enable self-sufficient and reliable operation without continuous electrification. It is precisely this feature that makes the system suitable for projects such as Teresina,” said Andreas Görtz.
