New reefer container throughput record in Brazil’s Paranagua terminal

In February, TCP (Paranaguá Container Terminal) broke its monthly refer container throughput record. In total, 20,810 TEUs were handled throughout the month’s 28 days. The previous record was set in August 2021 (20,709 TEUs).

These figures represent a movement of more than 268 thousand tonnes of meat. More specifically, two types of protein lead the way: chicken (76%) and beef (17%). Compared to January and February 2022, beef was the type of cargo with the highest growth: 280%. In January, the leading destinations for the product were China (20%) and the United Arab Emirates (5%).

The Brazilian state that produced the most beef exported through Paranagua was Mato Grosso. According to TCP’s commercial and customer service manager, Giovanni Guidolim, “the possibility of early entry of cargo into TCP in 2022 increased by the movement of beef from Mato Grosso fivefold compared to 2021. This strategy shall continue into 2023, favoring demand. Mato Grosso is the leader in producing beef protein for export by Paraná, representing 25% of the total.”

The state that most produced chicken meat for export, with TCP as the departure point, was Paraná. According to national statistics institute IBGE data, in 2021, Paraná was the state that processed poultry meat the most in the country. Guidolim cites an external factor that influenced the achievement of this export record: “the avian flu registered in several competitors in this market is a factor that increased global demand for Brazilian chicken. However, this increase in cargo flow was only actualized due to terminal infrastructure investments.”

Among the investments made is a 43% increase in the reefer yard. “By the end of 2023, TCP will have grown from 3,572 power plugs to 5,126, the highest number among Brazilian terminals, and will have built its own energy substation to support the expansion. All these measures are done to meet agribusiness demand and expand our global presence,” Guidolim explains. Other investments include gate expansion (vehicle entry and exit gates) and the purchase of 11 new RTG (Rubber Tyred Gantry) cranes, which will be delivered by the end of 2023.

TCP reefer containers throughput | Jan 2019 – Jan 2023 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The state of the railways connected to the port is another characteristic that makes it stand out internationally. It is the only one in the country’s south with direct access to a customs zone. The railroad is responsible for transporting one of every five export containers to TCP and meets several demands, including 25% of frozen meat exports.

“Currently, the company is a world leader in the chicken meat export service, and logistical flexibility was a sure bet to serve the market. The high number of regular maritime services, in addition to the wide range of logistical modes such as its warehouses and connections to the railroad, allowed TCP to create tailor-made logistical flows for customers,” he highlights.

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