Port of Paranaguá welcomes Neptune Hellas, expands vehicle shipping lines

The Port of Paranaguá was the first in Brazil to receive the vessel Neptune Hellas, operated by the Greek shipping company Neptune Lines. The Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, specialized in transporting vehicles and rolling cargo, made its first voyage outside Europe. The ship called in Argentina before arriving at Paranaguá last Wednesday (24). The route also includes stops at Santos and Rio de Janeiro.

“This is a new service that once again puts Paranaguá on the route of different segments. It’s another line of vehicle carriers calling here,” emphasized Portos do Paraná’s Operations Director, Gabriel Vieira.

This is the fifth fixed vehicle line at the Port of Paranaguá, expanding the range of options between Brazil and other countries. “For years, we had an interest in entering the South American market, especially Mercosur. We are starting this line with one vessel, but we will bring others. We are here to stay, not just passing through,” said Neptune Lines consultant Eric Berthelot.

The port’s strategic location, situated near several automakers, was one of its main advantages. “The Port of Paranaguá is very attractive in terms of organization and offers many incentives to shipowners, with easier cargo handling compared to other ports. Paranaguá knows very well how to attract shipping companies,” Berthelot added.

The Neptune Hellas discharged 355 cars and loaded another 201 vehicles for export. Operations were handled by Ascensus Gestão e Participações, responsible for one of the Port’s regulated areas (PAR), covering 74,100 m² with a static capacity for 4,000 vehicles.

“Paraná is able to offer benefits, including tax incentives, to industries, encouraging exports. Another advantage is having a berth dedicated exclusively to Ro-Ro vessels,” noted Wagner Giorgino, commercial representative of Ascensus Paranaguá.

The area operated by Ascensus is one of eight lease areas (PARs) that have already been regularized by Portos do Paraná. These lease auctions, held on the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3), began in 2019, the year the Port Authority gained administrative autonomy to conduct the bids, resulting in investments totaling more than R$3.7 billion. With these auctions, all areas of Portos do Paraná have been regularized, making it the first port authority in Brazil to achieve this milestone.

Initially, Neptune Hellas will call monthly, but the company expects to increase the frequency. “We are working to double this presence. Within a few months, we will have at least two monthly calls in Paranaguá,” Berthelot said.

Source: Portos do Paraná

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