Record: Largest Barley Shipment Registered at Paranaguá Port

Port authorities confirmed a record single-vessel barley operation at Paranaguá Port. The shipment took place on Wednesday the 18th at pier 202.

Record operation and announcement

The event was announced on Friday the 20th by Portos do Paraná. The load set a new benchmark for a single-vessel barley cargo at the terminal.

The cargo was bound for destinations inside the state of Paraná. Officials said the move was unprecedented in the port’s history.

How the record was enabled

Port officials credited dredging and infrastructure investments for the achievement. Greater operational draft allowed larger ships to carry heavier loads.

Authorities noted two recent draft increases. In December 2024 the draft rose from 12.8 meters to 13.1 meters.

In September 2025 it reached 13.3 meters. Officials said that half a meter of extra draft allowed roughly 3.7 tonnes more per vessel.

Previous benchmark

The earlier record was set by the vessel Akra on January 26, 2026. That ship loaded 49,448 tonnes.

The recent operation surpassed that figure, according to port statements. The larger draft was central to achieving the new mark.

Barley throughput and market growth

Barley handling at Paranaguá Port rose sharply this year. Volumes climbed 34 percent compared with the previous year.

Data comparing the first two months of 2025 and 2026 show growth. Throughput increased from 123,404 tonnes to 165,338 tonnes.

Uses and regional demand

Paraná is Brazil’s largest barley producer. Local demand remains strong for malt production, animal feed, and human consumption.

Gabriel Vieira, director of port operations, highlighted those multiple uses. He called the state a key destination for the crop.

Brewing sector investment

Ministry data show Paraná had 174 registered breweries in 2024. That represented a 3 percent rise from the previous year.

Between 2020 and 2024 the brewing sector invested about R$5 billion. Investments covered production, inputs, modernization, and packaging.

Port executives said steady planning secured two authorizations to raise the draft in under a year. They added that these moves helped reduce logistics costs.

Filmogaz.com coverage notes that the largest barley shipment and the port’s increased draft mark a milestone for Paraná’s grain supply chain.