Port of Paranaguá records 100% increase in vehicle handling in March

The shipment and receipt of vehicles through the Port of Paranaguá more than doubled in March compared to the same period in 2025. A total of 20,987 units were handled, compared with 10,191 in March last year. The first quarter of 2026 also showed growth in this type of cargo, with a 23% increase (26,910 vehicles) compared to the same period in 2025 (21,869).

“The strategic location, close to automakers in the southern region, and the infrastructure dedicated to this type of cargo position the Port of Paranaguá as one of the main hubs for vehicle handling in the country,” said Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná.

Exported vehicles are destined for Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay. The main countries of origin for imports are Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom. “Brands such as Geely, Renault, Volkswagen, and Audi are the most active here, with notable growth in operations involving electric vehicles,” said Gabriel Vieira, Director of Port Operations.

An indicator of this growth was the record set on March 23, when the Port of Paranaguá received 3,370 vehicles from Geely. The cargo arrived aboard the vessel Tang Hong from the port of Nansha, China. In total, the brand brought around 6,000 vehicles to Brazil through the Paraná port in March alone.

Another factor driving the increase in vehicle movements is the productivity model adopted by automakers. “Domestic companies, especially those in the Curitiba region, are increasingly using the same production base to manufacture different car models. This production flexibility has boosted both exports and imports of vehicles, and our terminal is prepared to keep up with this market growth,” said Wagner Giorgino, Manager of New Projects and Commercial at Ascensus Paranaguá.

NEW ROUTES – The growth in vehicle operations in Paranaguá is also linked to the expansion of maritime routes in the automotive segment. In 2025, the Port of Paranaguá added a new service with the arrival of the vessel Neptune Hellas, operated by the Greek shipping company Neptune Lines, which specializes in transporting vehicles and rolling cargo.

The first operation of this service took place in September 2025 and was carried out by Ascensus Gestão e Participações. The new route expanded the port’s connections with other countries and consolidated Paranaguá as one of the main logistics corridors for the automotive sector in Brazil, with five regular vehicle shipping lines. In 2025 alone, Portos do Paraná handled more than 106,000 vehicles in import and export operations.

ROLLING CARGO – Vehicle operations are primarily conducted at berth 219, dedicated exclusively to this activity. The units handled — including cars, buses, and trucks — can be stored at the Paranaguá Container Terminal (TCP), in the public port area, and at two vehicle terminals.

Loading and unloading operations are also considered a national benchmark, with specialized teams responsible for removing vehicles from ship holds, moving them to the quay, and then to terminal yards. The efficiency rate, with no damage recorded, is among the best in the country.

Source: Portos do Paraná

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