In a remarkable uptick, Wilson Sons has announced a 57% increase in pork exports from the Rio Grande Container Terminal in Rio Grande do Sul. This impressive growth was recorded in the first seven months of 2023, compared to the same period last year. With exports surpassing 10,200 tons, the Asian market has been a significant driver, with China, Hong Kong, and Singapore leading as the primary destinations.
During the first seven months of this year, pork exports through the Rio Grande terminal amounted to 7,199 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), translating to approximately 3,620 containers. This marks a substantial rise from the 4,578 TEUs (2,307 containers) recorded in the same period of 2022. The total tonnage of pork exports for the year has reached 102,051 tons, compared to 64,751 tons during the first seven months of 2022.
Several factors have contributed to this notable increase. One of the key influences has been the recovery of market share, with local exporters increasingly opting to ship larger volumes through Rio Grande rather than Santa Catarina. The commencement of operations by the NeoSamba shipping line has also played a crucial role. NeoSamba’s larger vessels and direct route from Northern Europe to Rio Grande have improved transit times, leading to more efficient operations.
Paulo Bertinetti, CEO of Rio Grande Container Terminal, highlighted the terminal’s role in the region’s logistics, stating, “The terminal, the most automated one in Brazil, offers a safe and efficient alternative for handling various types of cargo.” He further noted that the strategic location and recent investments, along with the recovered reliability of ship calls, have significantly boosted market share.
As one of Brazil’s premier container terminals and a key player in South America, the Rio Grande Container Terminal has been instrumental in the economic development of Rio Grande do Sul over the past 26 years. The terminal serves over 3,000 importers and exporters, handling a diverse range of goods from more than 50 countries. Exports make up 74% of the terminal’s operations, with imports accounting for the remaining 26%.
The terminal boasts a 900-meter-long quay, a 735,000 square meter area, and a static capacity of 30,000 TEUs. It also features 20,000 square meters of warehouse space and 10 automated entry and exit gates. The facility includes 2,800 reefer container plugs and is equipped with advanced handling equipment such as nine ship-to-shore gantry cranes and 22 rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
In a significant step towards sustainability, the terminal signed a contract in May to source 100% of its energy from renewable sources. With IREC certification for 2024-2026, the terminal will use wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and ensure energy traceability.
The Rio Grande Container Terminal is supported by Navis N4, a leading port terminal management system, and Teconline, a comprehensive platform used by a global network of stakeholders including carriers, forwarding agents, and cargo agents.
