Paranaguá port sets corn loading record after draft increase

The Port of Paranaguá, in Paraná, set a new record for corn loading with the berthing of the vessel MV Minoan Pioneer, which shipped 77,000 tonnes in the first week of December. The performance is the result of the recent increase in operational draft, which went from 13.1 m to 13.3 m at berths designated for solid bulk cargo.

According to Portos do Paraná, the 20-centimeter increase allows each vessel to carry up to 1,500 tonnes more, increasing the port’s efficiency and competitiveness for exports.

“Our goal is to receive larger ships capable of loading more cargo while maintaining service excellence. This record proves that we are on the right path,” says the CEO of Portos do Paraná, Luiz Fernando Garcia.

Corn leads throughput and surpasses 2024 volume

Between January and November 2025, solid bulk cargoes, especially corn, recorded significant growth in the ports of Paraná. A total of 4.57 million tonnes were handled, an increase of 351% compared to the same period in 2024 (1.01 million tonnes).

The increase in productivity is linked to record harvests and growing international demand, especially from countries in Asia and the Middle East. Nationally, Brazil is expected to close 2025 with more than 140 million tonnes harvested, of which approximately 40 million will be exported, with a large share shipped through Paranaguá.

“The possibility of more heavily loaded vessels, combined with operational efficiency, consolidates the Port of Paranaguá as a strategic point for Brazilian agribusiness in the international market,” highlights Gabriel Vieira, director of Port Operations.

Below is a historical overview of corn exports through the Port of Paranaguá starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Corn Exports via the Port of Paranaguá | Jan 2022 – Oct 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Access Channel: next step to increase draft and capacity

The record achieved by the MV Minoan Pioneer is only a preview of what is to come with the concession of the Access Channel. The auction held in October on B3 granted the operation of the channel to the Canal da Galheta Dragagem Consortium (FTS Participações, Deme Concessions and Deme Dredging), which will invest R$ 1.2 billion in the first five years.

Among the commitments of the concessionaire is the deepening of the channel, which will allow the draft to increase to 15.5 meters, adding capacity of up to 14,000 tonnes of solid bulk cargo or 1,000 containers per vessel. The channel, which extends 34.5 km, will also have regular maintenance guaranteed by the consortium, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and safety.

Strategic impacts for Brazilian agribusiness

• Greater logistics efficiency: more heavily loaded vessels reduce cost per tonne;
• Capacity for large harvests: essential for years of record production;
• International competitiveness: expands the flow to high-demand markets;
• Long-term planning: concession guarantees maintenance and channel stability.

Thus, the Port of Paranaguá consolidates itself as a strategic hub for Brazilian agribusiness, with the capacity to meet growing demand for grains and strengthen Brazil’s presence in the international market.

Source: Portal do Agronegócio

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