Multipurpose vessel call at Sepetiba Tecon highlights growth of mixed-cargo operations in Brazil

The multipurpose vessel Green Suape, operated by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, called at Sepetiba Tecon on March 20, bringing a mix of cargo types in a single port call. The shipment included containers, vehicles, steel coils, and metro railcars.

This call reflects the growing trend of multipurpose port calls in Brazilian ports, a model gaining traction in maritime transport. Traditionally, containerized cargo is carried on container ships, while breakbulk cargo is transported on general cargo or project vessels. However, this separation can create inefficiencies for shipowners, who must consolidate volumes to ensure vessel utilization, and additional costs for exporters and importers, who often need to adapt cargo to container transport and bear storage expenses.

In this context, multipurpose vessels are emerging as a more flexible alternative, enabling the transport of different types of cargo on a single voyage, improving vessel capacity utilization, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing freight competitiveness.

This type of operation requires greater preparedness from port terminals, which must provide adequate storage areas and maritime, road, and rail access capable of handling cargo with different characteristics and dimensions. In addition, proper infrastructure and a skilled workforce are essential, as operations involve the simultaneous handling of diverse cargo types, each requiring specific equipment, services, and safety procedures.

According to Sepetiba Tecon’s operations director, Guilherme Vidal, adapting to this scenario depends on continuous investment.

“Our terminal already has the necessary conditions to handle multipurpose vessels, with adequate infrastructure, storage areas, and access to serve different cargo profiles. Even so, it is essential to keep investing not only in equipment but also in training multidisciplinary teams to expand operational capacity and integration levels,” said Vidal.

Driven by the growth of the breakbulk segment, demand for multipurpose vessels is expected to increase in the coming years. In this context, terminals with diversified operational capabilities are likely to gain greater strategic relevance in the port market.

Source: Sepetiba Tecon

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