Paranagua Port becomes 1st in Brazil to receive global environmental certification

The Port of Paranaguá, located in Paraná, has become the first Brazilian public port to receive the prestigious international Ecoports certificate, widely recognized as the most important certification worldwide for port environmental management. This significant recognition is awarded by the Organization of European Maritime Ports (ESPO) and establishes the port in Paraná as a global benchmark for exceptional management and environmentally friendly practices.

Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of the public company Portos do Paraná, emphasized the importance of this certification, stating, “It assures investors and customers that our operations adhere to the highest standards of environmental practices. Furthermore, it is the result of collaborative efforts from the entire port community and will attract increased business and investment to the state, enhancing the port’s competitiveness in the global market.”

Garcia further noted that the credential strengthens the commitment to developing Paranaguá as a world-class port. As part of the expansion project of the Sustainable Development Goals in the state, Portos do Paraná recently received a delegation from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which comprises the world’s most developed countries.

The achievement of the Ecoports certificate follows a rigorous inspection conducted by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, an independent international organization based in the United Kingdom. Rogério Duarte, the lead auditor of the process, explained, “The audit is meticulous and conducted in an unbiased manner. It considers the port’s profile and the interaction between port activities and the environment.”

Duarte elaborated on the certification requirements, including an environmental policy statement, compliance with legal aspects, responsibilities and resources, periodic compliance reviews, biannual ecological reports, and exemplary good practices.

The certificate focuses explicitly on port activities, adhering to the principles and regulations outlined in ISO 14001. It is based on a review system known as the Port Environmental Review System (PERS).

Obtaining this seal required nearly three years of dedicated work. João Paulo Ribeiro Santana, the Director of Environment at Portos do Paraná, highlighted the process, stating, “We initially conducted a pre-assessment known as the Self Diagnosis Method. Then, we consolidated procedures and regulations, revamped programs, and with the collaboration of operators and companies, we commenced issuing the certificate.”

The Ecoports certificate is valid for two years. In Brazil, apart from the public Port of Paranaguá, only the privately owned port of Açu in Rio de Janeiro has achieved this certification.

Port Growth – The certification comes at a time of expanding activities in the state. Between 2017 and 2022, the ports of Paraná (Paranaguá and Antonina) experienced an almost 14% increase in cargo handling, reaching a historic record of 58.3 million tonnes. During the first quarter of this year, the cumulative total has already surpassed 19 million tonnes, representing a 2% increase compared to the 18.7 million tonnes handled from January to April of the previous year.

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