This Tuesday (27), at the Port of Paranaguá, another shipment of wood was carried out on a roll on-roll off (Ro-ro) ship. This is the second time, currently, that the vessel – generally intended for the transport of vehicles, projects and machinery – is used for this general cargo. The first was a test carried out last September.
“This operation was common, about 12, 13 years ago. Over time, wood began to be shipped entirely in containers and not directly in the holds of ships, through the Port of Paranaguá”, says André Pioli, acting director of operations.
As the director recalls, last July, a cargo of wood was shipped by the terminal in Paraná in a mode called break bulk (in which the cargo is placed directly in the ship’s hold) on a general cargo ship. However, in this type of vessel – Ro-ro – it had been a while.
The director of Portos do Paraná, André Pioli, explains that the operation shows its versatility and that the port is prepared to meet the most diverse market demands.
The first test shipment was made with 190 bales, last September 25th.
OPERATION – In this week’s operation, there were 484 bales of plywood, totaling 1,450 cubic meters of wood, produced in Santa Catarina and loaded on the Sirius Leader ship, bound for Veracruz, Mexico. Carried out by the company Marcon, it started at 7 am and ended around noon.
“The lack of available containers has given rise to new opportunities to return to this type of shipment, which was once very common, through the Port of Paranaguá”, says Aldemar Marques Moreira, operations and foreman manager of the Marcon group, in Paranaguá.
And it should go back to being a trend, according to the operator. For him, the possible lack of available containers tends to strengthen this type of operation “which is quick, a little cheaper for the exporter”. “It is possible that we even have new lines coming to Paranaguá. I believe it is here to stay”, he comments.
Both in terms of operators, as well as structure, practice, knowledge and manpower, as the Marcon manager guarantees, the Port of Paranaguá is well prepared for this resumption. “We are well adapted with equipment, space, know-how, for this type of operation. Exporters who come to Paranaguá to ship this type of cargo will be very welcome,” says Aldemar.
TRAJECT – Shipping is relatively simpler than in containerized wood operations. The cargo comes from the exporter/producer to the warehouse located on the quay of the Port of Paranaguá. When the lot is formed and the ship docks to load, with the help of loaders, the trucks of the local transport cooperative are loaded and take the load inside the ship.
The holds of ro-ro ships have a door (lid) that works as a bridge through which vehicles are taken (or carry cargo) to the interior. In the basement, stevedores arrange the lot so that it can be safely transported to its final destination.
The vessel left today, in the early afternoon.
Source: Portos do Paraná
