TCP Posts 10% Hike in Cargo Throughput in January 2025

In January 2025, TCP, the operator of the Paranaguá Container Terminal, recorded its highest-ever cargo throughput for the month, at some 134,615 TEUs—a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. This volume represents 871,000 tonnes of cargo, combining both imports and exports.

Growth was driven by a significant surge in imports, particularly in the automotive and vehicle segment (+19%) and the electronics and metal-mechanics sector (+59%), which accounted for 57,000 tonnes and 39,000 tonnes, respectively.

Exports made up 65% of total full-container throughput, reaching 564,000 tonnes. The standout category was meat and frozen goods, with 245,000 tonnes shipped, followed by wood products, which accounted for 104,000 tonnes.

January also set a new record for vessel operations, with 91 ships calling at the terminal over the 31-day period. According to Felipe de França, TCP’s Operations Planning Manager, “The sharp rise in container throughput and vessel calls at our terminal underscores TCP’s ability to sustain growth while efficiently serving the market. In 2024, we set a record by handling 1.5 million TEUs, and in 2025, we’ve already kicked off the year reinforcing our leadership in Brazil’s port sector.”

The increase in berthing activity is directly linked to the addition of new maritime services at Paranaguá Container Terminal. In 2024, six deep-sea services and two cabotage services were added to TCP’s portfolio.

“TCP is the leading hub for weekly maritime services on the Brazilian coast, with 25 regular calls. We prioritize operational flexibility and commercial neutrality, as we believe this fosters a more competitive and collaborative environment for all players in the logistics chain, including shipping lines, exporters, and importers. This approach translates into more route options and cost-effective solutions for cargo from Brazil and beyond, including transshipments and international trade for regional markets such as Paraguay. With the recent increase in Paranaguá’s operational draft, we are even better positioned to meet our clients’ needs, offering higher capacity per vessel call and a premium, high-efficiency service,” explains Carolina Merkle Brown, TCP’s Shipping Line Commercial Manager.

Deeper Draft to Boost Performance in 2025

In November 2024, TCP began operating with an enhanced draft, increasing from 12.1 meters to 12.6 meters, regardless of tidal variations.

This deeper draft directly benefits navigation, allowing for higher cargo capacity per vessel and enhanced operational safety. Estimates suggest that the additional 50 centimeters of draft enable ships to carry an extra 400 full TEUs per call.

By mid-December, TCP welcomed its first vessel utilizing the new draft, and throughout January 2025, other ships calling at the terminal have already been able to transport larger cargo volumes per berthing.

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