Efficiency and Investments Propel Port of Paranaguá to Record Cargo Handling in 2024

Despite weather challenges, the Port of Paranaguá reached its highest cargo throughput volume in 2024, totaling 66,769,001 tonnes. This represents a 2.1% increase compared to 2023, with an additional 1,375,745 tons moved despite experiencing 115 rainy days throughout the year—eight more than the previous year, which directly impacted port operations.

To put this volume into perspective, it equates to 80% of the total grain production from Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul during the 2024 harvest. This amounts to an average of 3,209 double-trailer trucks received daily throughout the year.

“The results we’ve achieved are the fruit of hard work and dedication, proving we are on the right path. Even under adverse conditions, we reached this record thanks to a focus on efficiency and strategic planning,” emphasized Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná. Sandro Alex, Paraná’s Secretary of Infrastructure and Logistics, also celebrated the milestone: “The Port of Paranaguá reflects the strength of Paraná’s economy, serving as a barometer of our growth.”

Highlights in Exports and Imports

Of the 66.7 million tonnes of cargo handled in Paranaguá, 40 million were exports, and 26.7 million were imports. Key export products included soybeans (13,265,751 tons), containers (9,049,796 tons), and bulk sugar (6,412,716 tons). On the import side, top products included fertilizers (11,140,049 tons), containers (7,276,868 tons), and petroleum derivatives (4,912,767 tons).

Barley stood out with an impressive 168% increase in movement, reaching 428,132 tons in 2024. This growth was driven by installing the world’s largest malt factory in Ponta Grossa, located in the Campos Gerais region. This facility, which can produce 360,000 tons of malt annually (about 30% of the national market), supplies major breweries responsible for premium markets in southern and southeastern Brazil.

Wheat also performed well, with imports increasing by 157% and exports by 58% in 2024. These results further establish the Port of Paranaguá as a key multipurpose terminal. However, six products (soybeans, soybean meal, containers, fertilizers, bulk sugar, and petroleum derivatives) continue to dominate, accounting for 58.3 million tons or 87.3% of the total handled during the year.

Below are some of the most exported cargo in containers at the Paranagua Port in 2024. The data is from DataLiner.

Most Exported Products | Paranaguá Port | 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Growth in General Cargo and Antonina’s Results

Another highlight was the 23% growth in general cargo handling in 2024. Vehicle movement surged 29%, with 112,870 units imported or exported through the port. The Port of Antonina also reported positive results, with a 47% increase from the previous year, handling 1,993,620 tons, primarily fertilizers and sugar.

Investments and Strategic Planning Drive Results

These record-breaking results stem from long-term strategic planning, including the regularization of contracts and infrastructure investments. The Port of Paranaguá has significantly upgraded equipment, dredging, and rock removal in the access channel and docking berths, increasing operational depth. The updated draft — the distance between a ship’s keel and the water surface — has allowed larger and more heavily loaded vessels to operate more efficiently and safely, reducing wait times for berthing and unberthing.

“With logistical intelligence and operational adjustments, we have solidified the growth of the Port of Paranaguá, making it increasingly efficient and better prepared to meet the demands of international trade,” concluded Luiz Fernando Garcia.

These advancements reinforce the Port of Paranaguá’s role as one of Brazil’s primary logistical pillars, contributing to the country’s economic strength and enhancing the competitiveness of Brazilian products in global markets.

Source: Portos do Paraná

Sharing is caring!