Barcarena, Brazil
Amazon gateway town blending natural beauty, beaches, and major port industry in Pará, Brazil.
Port Overview
Barcarena, located in the state of Pará, Brazil, is strategically positioned near the Tocantins River and the Pará River mouth. It is part of the Belém metropolitan area. The port of Barcarena, often associated with Vila do Conde, is small but significant due to its access to the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic importance lies in its connectivity by sea, river, and road. However, specific annual TEU capacity figures are not readily available for this port. It primarily handles cargo, with a focus on bulk and general cargo vessels.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Barcarena port is strategically located at the mouth of the Amazon River in Pará state, Brazil. The facility features a major LNG terminal with offshore infrastructure including an FSRU (Floating Storage Regasification Unit) with 6 million tonnes per annum capacity, which commenced operations in February 2024. The port includes a grain terminal with storage capacity of 148,000 metric tons, grain receiving rates of 600 mt/hour, and ship-loading rates of 2,000 mt/hour. The facility can accommodate Panamax vessels and serves industrial customers in the region.
Container Terminals
Barcarena hosts the Tecon Vila do Conde container terminal, operated by Santos Brasil, which serves as a public-use facility with complete infrastructure for 24/7 operations. The terminal is strategically positioned near international shipping routes on the Pará River, approximately 30 nautical miles from Belém. It features modern refrigerated chambers for inspecting refrigerated cargo and handles both containers and project cargo. The facility benefits from excellent maritime access and proximity to major waterways including the Tocantins, Guamá, Moju, and Acará rivers.
Port Services
Main services at Barcarena, Brazil include:
- Cargo Operations: Handling bulk and general cargo.
- Ship Services: Limited tug assistance and basic provisions.
- Warehousing: Not specifically detailed, but part of broader cargo handling.
- Customs: Not explicitly mentioned, but typical for ports.
- Container Handling: Part of cargo operations.
Global Connectivity
Barcarena, Brazil, anchored by the Vila do Conde port, connects the Amazon region to global markets. It serves northern and central Brazil, handling bulk cargoes like grains, minerals, and fuels. Linked by river, road, and soon rail, Barcarena exports to Europe, North America, and Asia, with shipping routes reaching major hubs via transatlantic and transpacific services. Nearby ports include Belém, Santarém, and São Luís, enhancing regional connectivity.
Port Statistics
Key Statistics for Barcarena, Brazil
TEU Throughput:
No specific TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) throughput data is publicly available for Barcarena, as the port primarily handles bulk commodities like soybeans and minerals rather than containerized cargo.
World Ranking:
Barcarena does not rank among the world’s top container ports. Its significance is regional, focused on bulk exports, especially from northern Brazil.
Number of Berths:
Barcarena currently has zero dedicated berths listed in recent port directories.
Port Area:
Exact port area figures are not published, but Barcarena is a medium-sized port complex serving the Amazon region, with infrastructure tailored for bulk and general cargo.
Shipping Lines:
Major global shipping lines do not regularly call at Barcarena due to its focus on bulk trades. Vessel traffic is dominated by bulk carriers and general cargo ships, rather than container lines.
Additional Notes:
Barcarena is a key export point for Brazilian soybeans, with a notable share of northern soybean exports transiting through the port. It is not a major player in container shipping, and its operations are much smaller in scale compared to Brazil’s leading ports like Santos.
