Port of Antonina invests in six new silos for barley, malt and wheat

The Ponta do Félix port, located in Antonina, on the coast of Paraná, is expected to open six new vertical silos in the second half of this year to receive barley, malt and wheat. Each silo will have a static capacity of 6.700 tons, totaling 40 thousand tons.

In total, R$45 million is being invested in construction. The works are part of the port expansion project, which also foresees the construction of a new fertilizer warehouse -- in an area of ​​17 thousand square meters -- with a capacity of 120 thousand tons.

Currently, Ponta do Félix has 65 thousand square meters of storage infrastructure, with a static capacity estimated at 270 thousand tons - reaching 2 million tons of movement per year. To increase cargo reception, expansion works are underway and, after all phases are completed, the static capacity estimate rises to 430 thousand tons.

“Investments are focused on equipment with unique quality in the country, with the installation of concrete silos that allow for less impact of external temperature on the quality of stored products. In this way, we promote the integrity of the products and gain in the quality of what reaches the producers”, highlights the president of Porto Ponta do Félix, Gilberto Birkhan.

Import of Malt and Barley

The new silos will preferably serve two customers who have already signed a long-term supply contract for the next ten years.

These are the Petrópolis breweries, in Rio de Janeiro, manufacturers of several beer brands, including Petra and Itaipava; and Uruguayan Barley, a malt supplier. According to information from the port, other breweries and malting plants can also be served, always respecting the preferences of these two customers who already have signed contracts.

Birkhan highlights that the investment reinforces the role of the port of Antonina, which is increasingly specializing in cargo with high added value and which requires different treatment compared to general cargo. “As it is a smaller port and focused on special cargo, we are also able to offer agility. One of the main advantages of operating through Antonina is the possibility of customizing operations”, he points out.

Growth

Porto Ponta do Félix, located in Antonina, on the coast of Paraná, exceeded expectations for growth in cargo movement in 2021, with an increase of 70%. The numbers are due to the expansion of its operations portfolio, improvements to the maritime structure and investments in expansion works.

For 2022, the projection is for a 30% increase in cargo movement in the Port, which should continue to be a major generator of jobs and income on the coast of Paraná.

Birkhan considers that the progress in recent years is also due to the fact that the port of Antonina is multipurpose. "We have rediscovered our vocation of working with specialized cargo, carrying out complementary operations to the Port of Paranaguá. Ponta do Félix is ​​a multi-purpose port, which works with diverse and special cargo", highlights Birkhan.