PARANAGUÁ, BRAZIL — The Port of Paranaguá announced on Jan. 20 that it shipped 30.3 million tonnes in 2015, an increase of 8.8% compared to 2014.

Soy was the most shipped product at the port in 2015, with 8.5 million tonnes exported – a record in the Paranaguá port, surpassing the previous record of 7.7 million tonnes in 2013.  The port exported 4.12 million tonnes of corn.

The exports show an increased emphasis on the agribusiness in Paraná. According to the Organization of the State of Paraná Cooperatives (Ocepar), co-operatives closed 2015 with exports of $2.4 billion, a 4% increase over the previous year.
"The country faces a complicated moment, but agribusiness in Paraná continues doing its role,” said José Richa Son, secretary of infrastructure and logistics. “With the various investments made at the port, we can meet the needs of the producer."

Even with a 44% increase in rain compared to last year, the construction of berths and installation of four new grain loaders, the port was able to continue shipping.

"This shows the gain in productivity that we’ve had,” said Luiz Henrique Dividino, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Administration of ports of Paranaguá and Antonina (Appa). “We can work harder and better, even with these setbacks. The result is the investment of more than R$ 511 million in Paraná ports over the past few years.”

Between March and December of last year, four new shiploaders were installed and put into operation. The equipment can carry 33% more than the old shiploaders, increasing the speed of loading from 1,500 tonnes per hour to 2,000 tonnes per hour. R$59 million ($14.71 million) was invested to install the new shiploaders.