TCP Welcomes First Vessel Using New Maximum Operational Draft

Last Friday (13), TCP, the operator of the Paranaguá Container Terminal, received the vessel San Marco Maersk at its quay. Measuring 333 meters in length (LOA), 48 meters in width (beam), and with a capacity of 9,669 TEUs, it became the first ship to operate with the newly increased maximum operational draft of 12.60 meters at TCP.

The draft increase—from 12.10 meters to 12.60 meters—offers significant navigation benefits, including greater cargo capacity per vessel and enhanced safety during port operations. With an additional 50 centimeters of draft, each vessel can carry approximately 400 more loaded TEUs, optimizing cargo flow and boosting operational efficiency.

Here is a historical data overview of container throughput at the Port of Paranaguá from January 2021 to October 2024. The data stems from DataLiner:

Container Throughput at Port of Paranaguá | Jan 2021 to Oct 2024 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Carolina Merkle Brown, TCP’s Shipping Lines Commercial Manager, emphasized the significance of this development: “The arrival of the first vessel utilizing the new draft marks the start of a transformative phase for the terminal. It strengthens TCP’s position as a competitive global port hub, providing our clients with faster and more efficient import and export operations.”

Another advantage of the expanded operational draft is that it optimizes logistical processes, reduces vessel wait times, and improves the flow of port operations.

TCP is the container terminal with the most maritime services in Brazil: 25 regular weekly calls covering global routes and cabotage. This expands transportation options and facilitates the flow of goods to domestic and international markets.

The San Marco Maersk container ship is part of the Samba service, which connects the east coast of South America to Europe, with stops in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Morocco, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.

Draft Expansion and Local Economic Impact

TCP began operating with the new draft of 12.60 meters at zero tide following the revision of Ordinance No. 306/2024/APPA, approved in late November by Portos do Paraná after favorable evaluations by the Brazilian Navy and the Pilots Association.

“With the deeper draft, we can accommodate heavier vessels, improving safety and efficiency during maneuvers and operations at the Port of Paranaguá,” said Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná. “This also reduces docking and undocking wait times, offering financial advantages to our clients by enabling larger cargo volumes to be moved in fewer trips.”

TCP’s Institutional and Legal Manager, Rafael Stein, highlighted the broader economic impact: “The deepening of the access channel acts as a growth driver for the local economy. With increased operational capacity, all economic activities connected to the port—directly or indirectly—stand to benefit. The Port Authority’s efforts to improve access have been instrumental in maintaining TCP’s competitive edge.”

The draft increase was made possible through the removal of 20,000 cubic meters of underwater rock from the Palanganas Rocks in the Port’s Access Channel. This critical operation has not only enhanced draft capacity but also solidified TCP’s role as a gateway for larger vessels and more efficient trade logistics.

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