Paranaguá port access channel concession to receive $1.23 billion in investment

Brazil’s federal government announced on Thursday (March 12) that the concession for the access channel to the Port of Paranaguá (PR) will involve BRL 1.23 billion in investments over a 25-year period. The funds will be allocated to dredging, maintenance and management of the waterway infrastructure connecting the port to the open sea.

Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho described the project as a milestone for the country’s port sector. “This is the first port access channel concession in Brazil, a fundamental step for the development of the country’s port sector,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the planned increase in channel draft, which will allow larger vessels to call at the port and carry greater cargo volumes. “The Port of Paranaguá plays a strategic role in vegetable bulk operations and for agribusiness, as it handles the largest volume of fertilizers in the country. With the deeper draft, operational capacity and logistics efficiency at the port — already a benchmark in Brazil — will be further expanded,” he added.

Port of Paranaguá

Marking the launch of a new management model for port access channels, introduced in 2023, the signing of the Paranaguá access channel concession represents a significant step forward for Brazil’s port logistics.

Under the project, the channel’s operational draft will be increased to 15.5 meters, enabling the port to receive larger vessels and boosting the operational capacity of the port complex. The measure is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen the flow of agricultural exports from southern and central-western Brazil.

The Port of Paranaguá is one of Brazil’s main logistics corridors, playing a key role in the export of grains and other agricultural commodities, linking domestic production to international markets.

Below is a historical overview of long-haul container throughput via the Port of Paranaguá starting in January 2022. The chart excludes cabotage and other domestic movements:

Long-Haul Container Throughput via the Port of Paranaguá – Jan 2022 to Jan 2026 – TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The port complex is also undergoing other major infrastructure upgrades, including the Moegão project, a new rail unloading system for the export corridor. Construction has already surpassed 95% completion, making it the largest public port project currently underway in Brazil.

With more than BRL 500 million in financing from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), the project will increase the port’s rail capacity by 60%, raising throughput from 550 to 900 railcars per day.

In his remarks, Costa Filho also referenced the delivery of the Moegão works. “This will increase cargo handling operations at the port by 60%, which is essential to strengthen its logistics,” he said.

The project is expected to improve the port’s logistics efficiency by expanding grain reception capacity and strengthening integration between rail infrastructure and port terminals.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor)

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