Port of Natal Reports 107% Surge in Fruit Exports in 2024

The Port of Natal recorded an impressive 107% increase in fruit exports in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to figures released on Monday (20) by Rio Grande do Norte Docks Company (Codern). A total of 135,302 tonnes of fruit were exported last year, representing a significant recovery for the terminal’s activity.

This growth marks a turnaround for the port, which faced a severe crisis in 2023 following the withdrawal of French shipping giant CMA CGM. Once the Port of Natal’s largest operator, the company relocated its operations to the Port of Mucuripe in Fortaleza (CE), resulting in an estimated loss of R$ 5 million and a 66% drop in operational revenue for the terminal.

New Operations

The recovery began in August 2024 with the launch of a new operation led by the Panamanian reefer vessel Cool Carries, exporting approximately 6,000 tonnes of fruit weekly to Europe. This operation is expected to conclude in February 2025.

Currently, Agrícola Famosa, the port’s main operator, has shifted to using refrigerated vessels and palletized storage at the terminal, an alternative to refrigerated containers. According to Codern, this change has significantly reduced cargo spoilage and streamlined the logistics process.

“We are experiencing a positive moment after the challenges caused by CMA CGM’s contract termination, and we expect these numbers to improve even further,” stated Codern’s CEO, Paulo Henrique Macedo.

The chart below compares monthly exports of fruits registered at the Port of Natal in the eleven first months of the year from 2021 through 2024. The data comes from Datamar’s DataLiner.

Port of Natal | Fruit Exports | Jan-Nov 2021 vs Jan-Nov 2024 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Challenges and Infrastructure

CMA CGM’s departure in 2023 was attributed to operational limitations at the Port of Natal. Key issues included maneuvering difficulties for larger vessels at the mouth of the Potengi River, which requires dredging. The last dredging operation was carried out in 2009, but Codern has announced plans for a new dredging project in 2025.

Another critical issue is the height restriction of the Newton Navarro Bridge, which, at 55 meters, limits the passage of larger vessels. Additionally, the bridge lacks protective fenders—structures designed to safeguard both the bridge and ships in case of collisions.

In October 2024, the federal government pledged R$ 50 million to install protective fenders on the bridge. The project was officially announced in Natal, with the presence of the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, and President Lula.

Further infrastructure upgrades are underway at the port, including the modernization of warehouses and storage facilities and the installation of a solar power plant, funded through the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).

With these investments and the consolidation of new operations, the Port of Natal aims to overcome its logistical challenges and strengthen its position in the competitive global fruit export market.

Source: G1

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