[INFOGRAPHIC] All the information you need to know about the Port of Paranaguá

Many people have heard of it, but do you really know all about the Port of Paranaguá? For those who work in shipping in Brazil, for example, understanding a little bit more about this great spring of business and opportunity is of the utmost importance.

Considering the relevance of the theme, we’ve prepared this article with all the information you need to know about one of the most influential ports in the South of the country. By reading it, you will learn when it was funded, what are the port’s restrictions and technical possibilities, the most important cargo that goes through it, and much more.

What does a charterer need to know about any port?

First of all, each port’s restrictions and rules are the major points a charterer needs to know before closing a deal, be it of import or export. It is based on that information that it will be possible to analyze what’s the best type of vessel to be used in each operation, and also how to evaluate the cargo’s viability in any given port.

With that taken care of, it’s necessary to gather data about any work or maintenance in the port’s facility that might be being done and about possible instances of drainage, strikes, or manifestations, among other situations which might deeply affect business. All this information is of the utmost importance for you to be able to make quick and precise decisions, thus reducing the risk of negative consequences.

Information about the Port of Paranaguá

The Port of Paranaguá is located in the city of the same name, in the state of Paraná. The port is one of the major exporters of agricultural products, especially of soybean and soybean meal.

Besides that, it features a wide range of commodities in operation, such as fertilizers, other grain, sugar (in bulk or bagged), cellulose, petroleum products, soybean oil, and others. The port is rooted on importing fertilizers and grain as its biggest types of cargo ever transported.

The administration is done by a state autarchy, the Administration of the Ports of Paranaguá and Antonina (APPA, from the name in Portuguese). Its area of influence is grandiose, since it comprises 9 Brazilian federal units and the government of Paraná itself.

Important occasions

The project’s beginnings go back to the 19th century, when the Decree 5,503 gave permission to a group of businessmen to modernize the old port of the city, connecting it to the goods coming to Paranaguá by way of the rail network in Curitiba.

Its construction was initiated in 1926, but the port was only opened 7 years later, on March 17, 1933. In 1947, an organization called Administration of the Port of Paranaguá was created — it would later go on to become APPA. The current configuration of the port was put in place in 1971. Today’s concession contract was first signed in 1949 with an expiration date set for 1992, when it was prolonged for 10 more years.

The most important characteristics of the Port of Paranaguá

Paranaguá has well defined restrictions and rules related to each type of cargo. Therefore, you must always pay attention to any alterations on APPA’s Order of Service and report to clients in a timely manner so as not to harm any demand.

Advantages and challenges faced by charterers in Paranaguá

There are, without a doubt, advantages and benefits in using the second largest port in the country. Besides the positive aspects, it’s important to highlight the structures available for import and export operations, which are interlinked to private, capable, and highly modern terminals. The port is ready to take on the duty of draining the crops that come from Paraná’s farmers, as well as from some of the farmers from Mato Grosso.

However, there is a high waiting time for mooring due to congestion. The restricted railways are also points of improvement — they could perfect freight loading and forwarding in the local terminals, which would avoid concentration on the modal road. Intermodal transport — the connection between railroads, highways, and waterways — is, by the way, one of the biggest constraints on the Brazilian port activity in general.

How Paranaguá stands apart from other ports

Paranaguá stands apart from other ports because of its infrastructure and because of all the port expertise it puts in place in order to better serve its user.

Even though a lot has been invested towards the modernization and restructuring of the port area (computer systems, pier ship structure), it also has common problems in relation to other ports, such as the one in Santos or the one in São Francisco do Sul. Their draft and their extension are low, which should be reconsidered to accommodate bigger and bigger vessels.

In October 2018, APPA began renovating its Western docks. The project was planned for a long while and should expand the length of the docks by at least 100 meters. It could be an important development, even though many professionals still don’t see it as enough to meet all local needs.

Possible complications at the Port of Paranaguá

Those who navigate in the port universe may face some complications if they don’t fully comprehend the characteristics of Paranaguá. For example, a ship could be stopped from being able to dock because of the port’s dimensions. A particularly big ship could have to wait for longer than expected or even require an emergency vessel replacement, leading to financial losses. Because of that, it’s fundamental to be aware of the port’s limitations so as to avoid major setbacks.

The state of the ship’s navigation should also be considered. The life expectancy or the lack of maintenance could lead to poor conservation, causing detentions from port authorities during on-board fiscalization. Besides, the vessel’s compromised conditions could also damage the cargo and the environment.

Therefore, it’s indispensable to keep a good relationship with the local team at each port you work on. Strengthen the ties between you and the professionals who are really capable of helping you prevent and solve problems.

Keep in mind that a good agent is proactive and works with precise data to stay up-to-date with everything that’s going on in the port. Relying on the services of Wilson Sons, on the market since 1837, is an example of a good way to gain more success in your business.

All in all, knowing the characteristics of the Port of Paranaguá is essential for you to operate there with a high level of effectiveness. So keep yourself informed about the places in which you wish to operate in order not to face unexpected complications.

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