A critical export terminal at the Port of Paranaguá in Brazil has resumed operations after a fire broke out earlier last week stifling three of its berths.
In a released statement, the local port authority said that operations at Paranagua’s Export Corridor resumed on 24 February at 1.00 pm local time (16:00 GMT). Reuters reported that export berths 212 and 213, alongside import berths 214, are now operational.
The port authority also stated that maintenance work is being carried out on damaged equipment which is expected to be operational in the coming week.
Severe Consequence Risks in Cargo Operations
The fire had disrupted operations at a key terminal for agricultural commodities at the Port of Paranaguá, according to Reuters.
Following the fire’s onset, Williams shipping agency reported that: “All operations within the Export Corridor have been temporarily suspended.
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According to Reuters, the fire ignited near the access point to one of the shiploaders at the East Export Corridor in Paranaguá. While three births were affected, vessels within its vicinity were unmoored and redirected to the surrounding areas within the port.
Cargonave shipping agency further stated that approximately 20 vessels were scheduled to arrive at the three affected berths during the period of its operational suspension. These vessels were intended for the loading of soybeans, soymeal, and wheat.
The maritime industry has recently intensified its efforts to enhance fire prevention measures.
Fire breaks out at key port of Paranaguá, Brazil /ZfMBzNAUun
— James Colquhoun (@JamesCGrains) February 23, 2024
In November 2023, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced it would install cameras and an AI system developed by Captain’s Eye in the cargo holds of most of its LNG-fuelled car carriers to provide early fire detection capabilities.
More recently, Fundación Valenciaport, the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), and the Valencia Provincial Consortium of Firefighters announced a partnership on the OVERHEAT project, which aims to prevent and manage fires on containerships.
