Paranagua is one of the main ports of Brazil and Latin America, the second largest port in Brazil in tonnage and the third in container shipping. Its chief exports are soybeans and soybean meal.

According to TCP, the new measure provides safer operating conditions for the terminal's entry and exit, allowing an increase in the number of containers handled per ship and the expansion of stopovers and space for shipments.

The first stage to increase the draft was concluded in June. The next stages seek to increase capacity in the main access channel.

The project has been approved by Portos do Parana (Paranagua and Antonina Ports Administration), the Brazilian Navy and Pilotage.

"Now we are working on a well-defined plan, together with the Port Authority of Parana, and pilotage, to move forward as soon as possible with the approvals for the deepening of the access channel, fundamental for the berthing of larger ships," said Thomas Lima, the ports commercial officer.

"The goal is to reach a depth at which we are able to receive the new generation of ships and thus further increase our handling capacity, consolidating us as a mandatory stop for important maritime routes for foreign trade," he said.

The gradual increase in operation was possible thanks to the investment of the public administration in maritime infrastructure in recent years, reported TCP.

https://www.shippingazette.com/menu.asp?encode=eng