On Monday, August 26, the Port of Natal, managed by the Rio Grande do Norte Docks Company (Codern) and supported by the state government of Rio Grande do Norte, initiated a new export operation. This operation is set to dispatch 6,000 tonnes of fruit weekly to Europe until February of the following year, aiming to surpass last season's exports by 36%. The operation began with a ship from the Panamanian company Cool Carriers, marking the start of the fruit shipment season.
The operation will see a weekly ship departure carrying the equivalent of 200 trucks of fruits, which translates to 4,500 pallets or 50 containers. This includes not only fruits from Rio Grande do Norte but also from the São Francisco River Valley in Petrolina, Pernambuco. The Port of Natal has recently undergone upgrades through a Public-Private Partnership with Agrícola Famosa, leading to the investment of R$30 million in refrigerated trucks, R$10 million in forklifts and electric pallet trucks, and R$500,000 in a cross-docking facility to enhance container loading processes.
Source: DataLiner
Guilherme Saldanha, the state secretary of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, highlighted the investments from various sectors, including the federal government, Codern, and the private sector, which have facilitated the port's renovations. These enhancements are expected to enable the state to export half of its total fruit production to Europe.
Following the cessation of operations by the French company CMA CGM at the Port of Natal in April 2023, new plans were developed to maintain and enhance port operations. Additionally, Governor Fátima Bezerra announced federal investments in the port and the Newton Navarro Bridge, including funds for dredging, quay defenses, and warehouse renovations, aimed at bolstering the port's capacity and efficiency.
Source: DatamarNews