Ferroport triples iron ore exports in ten years of operation at Açu Port

Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary this month with a growth in exports, new investments, and solid financial performance. A joint venture between Anglo American and Brazilian company Prumo Logística, Ferroport expects to ship between 24.5 and 25 million tonnes of iron ore this year, bringing the total to over 160 million tonnes since operations began on October 24, 2014. The first vessel to depart, the 80,000-ton Key Light, also marked the inaugural operation of the entire Açu port complex.

Over the past decade, 1,200 ships have called at the Ferroport terminal, exporting ore to China and Bahrain, as well as to Mexico, the U.S., India, Europe, and Africa. In 2015, Ferroport exported 8 million tonnes; today, that figure has more than tripled.

The chart below uses DataLiner data to explore the volume of iron ore exported at the Port of Açu between January 2021 and August 2024.

Iron ore exports from Açu Port | Jan 2021 – Aug 2024 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Ferroport, which posted a net profit of R$489 million last year—a 3.4% increase from 2022—launched the “Rumo aos 30!” program to guide its strategic planning and prepare for future operations of 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually. The ore is sourced from Anglo American’s mine in Conceição de Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, and transported via a 529-kilometer pipeline that passes through 33 municipalities to the Port of Açu. The ore is then filtered and stored at the Ferroport terminal before being exported.

The “Rumo aos 30!” program focuses on enhancing operational reliability and efficiency in a sustainable way, through initiatives like process improvements, asset modernization, and employee training. This year, Ferroport is investing approximately R$125 million in infrastructure upgrades—66% more than last year—bringing total investments at the terminal to over R$500 million over the past decade. Recent innovations include the automation of yard equipment, integrating technology, safety, and operational efficiency.

“We are continuously investing in our infrastructure to ensure a more efficient and sustainable operation,” said Ferroport CEO Carsten Bosselmann. “The Asset Management program we’ve implemented minimizes the risk of unplanned shutdowns and maximizes efficiency. At the same time, we prioritize the safety of assets and employees by adopting advanced monitoring technologies, safety training, and strict operational protocols to promote a safe and healthy work environment.”

Ferroport currently provides around 300 direct jobs and 310 indirect jobs in São João da Barra and the surrounding region, employing over 600 people in total.

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