Paranaguá Container Terminal Achieves New 12.6 m Operating Draft

The Paranaguá Container Terminal increased its operating draft from 12.1 meters to 12.6 meters at zero tide. This measure, approved by the Brazilian Navy, Pilots’ Association, and Portos do Paraná, was officially ratified on Monday (25) through Ordinance No. 306/2024/APPA.

The increase in draft—defined as the vertical distance between a ship’s keel and the waterline—directly benefits navigation by allowing vessels to carry more cargo. It is estimated that for every additional 10 centimeters of the draft, ships can accommodate approximately 80 more TEUs.

Carolina Merkle Brown, TCP’s Commercial Manager for Shipping Lines, emphasized the significance of this development:
“The new operating draft at the Port of Paranaguá marks a milestone in efficiency and safety, enabling operations for larger vessels. This enhancement not only optimizes port operations but also directly benefits clients by providing greater capacity for export and import cargoes with improved speed and competitiveness. By deepening its draft, the Port of Paranaguá strengthens its strategic position as a globally significant port hub, enhancing its competitiveness on the international stage.”

Currently, TCP offers the highest number of regular maritime services in Brazil, encompassing global trade routes and coastal shipping. This extensive coverage expands transportation options and facilitates the seamless flow of cargo for domestic and international markets. Additionally, the increased capacity streamlines logistics processes, reducing vessel wait times and improving operational fluidity.

Rafael Stein Santos, TCP’s Institutional and Legal Manager, highlighted another key benefit: the revamped ordinance eliminates the need for a positive tide for vessels with drafts of up to 12.6 meters, offering greater flexibility for ship access.

“This improvement underscores the Port of Paranaguá’s pivotal role in foreign trade, particularly along Brazil’s key commercial routes. It also delivers significant economic benefits, creating new business opportunities and driving growth in the sector,” Santos said.

The chart below shows the performance of container exports and imports at the Port of Paranagua from January 2021 to September 2024, measured in Twenty-Foot-Equivalent Units (TEUs). The data is from DataLiner, a product developed by Datamar, and includes only long-haul shipments, excluding cabotage and transshipment operations.

Paranagua Container Exports & Imports | Jan 2021 – Sep 2024 | TEUs

Fonte: DataLiner (clique aqui para solicitar uma demonstração) 

Underwater Rock Removal Enables Progress

The operational draft increase follows the completion of underwater rock removal at Palanganas Rocks, located in the port’s access channel. Approximately 20,000 cubic meters of rock were removed from the seabed, fragmented, and donated to municipalities along the Paraná coast. These materials are being repurposed for public works, such as paving roads for vehicles and pedestrians.

Regarding the project, Santos commended the collaboration between Portos do Paraná and TCP during the final stages: “The completion of the rock removal and the resulting gains reflect the commitment of the port authority, maritime authority, and pilots to the sector and the region. Further deepening of the access channel is anticipated through the channel concession project, acting as a catalyst for the local economy. The increased operational capacity will drive growth across all economic activities connected to the port, both directly and indirectly. This translates into more jobs, higher income, and increased revenue for the municipality.”

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