Paraná Ports’ Key Role in Agribusiness Exports Debated at High-Level Meeting

The efficiency and strategic importance of Paraná’s ports in supporting agribusiness exports were the focal points of the Infrastructure and Logistics Thematic Chamber (CTLog) meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, held this Wednesday (24) in Brasília. Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of the public company Portos do Paraná, highlighted the ports’ achievements and future projects to the committee members.

During the meeting, Garcia discussed the logistical challenges Paraná will face in the coming years and detailed ongoing projects aimed at enhancing port efficiency. From January to June 2024, the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina saw a record-breaking throughput of 33,780,236 tonnes, with significant increases in agribusiness products such as fertilizers, soybeans, and sugar.

Garcia noted that these impressive results have been achieved despite geographical limitations that restrict the horizontal expansion of the Port of Paranaguá east and westward. To address these constraints, the port authority is developing innovative strategies, including offshore expansion with advanced piers.

Another key focus for Portos do Paraná is integrating different modes of transportation. Currently, only a small portion of cargo is transported by rail. Garcia emphasized the need to increase rail transport to reduce reliance on trucks and enhance efficiency.

“Today, our greatest challenge is to increase the use of rail in our transportation grid, which currently stands at only 20%. This share is very small, and we need to make progress in this regard, mixing up transport alternatives and reducing dependence on trucks. We are proud of where our throughput currently stands without incurring any queues, those famous queues that have not occurred for more than ten years. Today, we can predict the arrival of trucks seven days in advance,” Garcia said.

This rail-related bottleneck is expected to be alleviated with the completion of modernization projects at the Port of Paranaguá. The “Moegão” grain hopper project, which is about 10% complete and expected to be finished by December 2025, includes a rail reception and unloading system for grains and meals at export terminals, as well as upgrades to the road and rail infrastructure in the port’s eastern region.

Funded by a R$495 million investment from the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), this project is the first of its kind for a port authority.

Garcia also highlighted significant investments in dredging, totaling R$403 million, aimed at removing silt from access channels, maneuvering basins, public berths, and anchorages. The ongoing concession for the access channel includes a maintenance and deepening program, which is essential for keeping Paraná’s ports competitive. Additionally, an investment of R$26.9 million in demolition between 2021 and 2022 aims to eliminate bottlenecks and improve maritime and waterway operations.

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