Aratu, Brazil

Port Overview

Aratu is a major port located in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, on the northeast side of Baía de Todos os Santos. It is one of the largest ports in the region and the principal port in Bahia, handling over 6 million tons of cargo annually. Strategically important for its role in supporting the nearby petrochemical and industrial complexes, Aratu specializes in handling liquid and solid bulk as well as gaseous products. The port does not have significant container (TEU) capacity, focusing instead on bulk and industrial cargoes.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Aratu Port in Brazil features four main terminals: solid bulk, liquid bulk, gaseous products, and specialized agribulk terminals (ATU12 and ATU18). Key cargo facilities include large storage warehouses and silos for fertilizers, grains, minerals, and chemicals. Recent modernization added new ship loaders, unloaders, cranes, and conveyor systems, boosting productivity. While AGVs are not specifically mentioned, the port’s equipment upgrades focus on advanced cargo handling and increased throughput.

Container Terminals

Aratu, Brazil’s port complex does not have dedicated container terminals; its focus is on bulk and liquid cargo. The port features three main piers with a total of 6 berths, handling solid bulk, liquid bulk, and gas products. Automation is moderate, with some use of technology and artificial intelligence for port management. Major operators include Codeba, Braskem, Vopak, Ultracargo, and Dow Chemical. Container operations are minimal and not a primary activity.

Port Services

• Bulk cargo operations: handling of solid, liquid, and gaseous bulk cargoes (such as minerals, chemicals, fuels, and gases).
• Cargo handling equipment and storage: silos, warehouses, and open yards for storage and logistics.
• Ship services: bunkering (fuel and diesel oil), water supply, limited ship repairs, and garbage disposal.
• Warehousing: bonded and general storage facilities for bulk cargoes.
• Customs and security: customs clearance, ISPS Code compliance, and access control.
• No container handling operations.

Global Connectivity

Aratu, Brazil, is a key bulk port in Bahia serving the petrochemical, steel, and fertilizer industries, with strong links to the Camaçari Industrial Complex and the Salvador metropolitan region. It connects primarily to domestic ports via cabotage and supports international shipping routes to major markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. The port handles solid, liquid, and gaseous bulk, facilitating efficient trade flows for regional and global supply chains.

Port Statistics

Port of Aratu, Brazil key statistics:

• TEU throughput: Limited container activity; primarily handles bulk cargo, with total cargo throughput around 6.56 million tonnes annually.
• World ranking: Not ranked among top global container ports; regional significance for bulk.
• Number of berths: 11 berths.
• Area: Approximately 1,000 hectares.
• Shipping lines: Serviced by major bulk and liquid cargo carriers; limited regular container shipping lines.