Largest biofuel container ship operating in South America docks at TCP

The Paranaguá Container Terminal (TCP) welcomed the CMA CGM Bahia container ship last Thursday (Jan 25), the first biofuel-powered vessel to dock at the terminal. Propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the ship from the French shipowner CMA CGM has a 336-meter length and 51-meter width (beam). It can transport 13,200 TEUs at once. The operation at TCP involved approximately 1,380 TEUs.

Built in 2023, the CMA CGM Bahia is a milestone for the shipping industry, thanks to its technologies ensuring a more sustainable operation. Notably, it features the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (ICER), reducing methane emissions and decreasing total greenhouse gas emissions by over 28%.

“The operation of a vessel like this at the terminal aligns with TCP’s objectives and the entire shipping industry’s goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promoting greater energy efficiency in maritime operations, in addition to meeting an increasingly important demand for the market and our clients,” stated TCP’s Commercial Manager, Carolina Brown.

The container ship set sail from TCP towards Santos in the early morning of the 26th, with the CMA CGM Bahia’s final destination being the Asian continent.

Investment in Electrification:

In 2023, the Paranaguá Container Terminal acquired its first electric bus, used to transport employees within the terminal’s 480,000 square meters of area. The D9W model vehicle, manufactured by the Chinese brand BYD, has an 80-passenger capacity, operates silently, features a regenerative braking system, and ensures zero pollutant emissions.

During the same year, TCP completed the conversion of two Rubber-Tired Gantry cranes used in the terminal’s rail operations, achieving a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions for each piece of equipment and a 90% reduction in maintenance costs.

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