Paraná ports exceed 65 million tonnes in 2023 throughput

Portos do Paraná achieved a new record in cargo throughput in 2023, surpassing the 65 million-ton mark. The announcement of this historic record was made on the 8th by Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná, and Sandro Alex, Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Logistics.

In 2023, the state-owned company that manages the ports of Paranaguá and Antonina recorded a throughput of 65,393,256 million tons. This figure marks the highest ever recorded in the institution’s history since its foundation in 1935. The previous record was 58,399,284 million tonnes in 2022.

“This 12% increase in cargo throughput from 2023 compared to 2022 reflects the commitment of the State Government of Paraná to the productive sector,” stated Sandro Alex.

According to the CEO of Portos do Paraná, logistical intelligence, operational adjustments, and improvements in truck and train maneuvering times contributed to the company achieving such high records.

“Once again, Portos do Paraná is at the forefront. Market studies projected this volume of 65 million for 2040, so we exceeded this estimate by 17 years. This achievement is due to logistical intelligence and operational adjustments. It’s no wonder we are the only port in the country recognized for four consecutive years with the best management,” celebrated Garcia.

Key operations in 2023

Exports last year totaled 42,718,813 million tonnes, marking an 18% growth compared to the previous year (36,058,499). Significant increases, compared to 2022, were observed in soybean exports, reaching 14,662,586 million tons (47%), and sugar, with 5,459,221 million tons (27%). Import-wise, there was a 1% growth (rising from 22,340,785 to 22,674,442), with fertilizers leading the way at 9,968,585 million tons, a number similar to that of 2022 (9,990,983).

“Even with an extremely challenging year, with an excessive amount of rainfall, we managed to surpass a goal set since the beginning of the year. The 65 million mark is the result of great teamwork involving all employees, terminals, operators, and the port community,” explained Gabriel Vieira, operations director.

Expectations for 2024 include even greater growth. As an answer, the Moegão grain hopper will be built, a project budgeted at R$ 592 million, which consists of implementing an exclusive system for unloading grains and meals by rail. The work order for the start of construction has already been signed, and upon completion, there will be a 63% increase in cargo unloading capacity.

Other investments planned by Portos do Paraná are through leases, which are directly managed by the state-owned company. The most recent auction, held in November 2023, was for PAR09. Acquired by the Q-PAR09 Investment Fund, the company is expected to invest R$ 910 million in infrastructure improvements.

“The expansion of infrastructure for port access is essential for us to achieve the new goal. The Moegão and area leases will allow us to meet this market demand,” emphasized the CEO.

The chart below shows container exports and imports registered at Paranagua Port between Jan 2019 and Dec 2023. The data is from DataLiner.

Paranagua Port | Exports & Imports | Jan 2019 – Dec 2023 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Other Records at Portos do Paraná

In December, Portos do Paraná recorded the highest monthly throughput in history, with 6,376,229 million tonnes handled, a 45% increase compared to 2022 (which recorded 4,384,513 million tons).

Currently, Portos do Paraná is Brazil’s largest importer of fertilizers, representing 25% of national movement in 2023.

Another impressive figure is the number of vehicles in the sorting yard. In 2023, there were 490,000 trucks in circulation, a 25% increase compared to 2022 (391,017 trucks).

Top most exported cargo:

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