PARANAGUA, BRAZIL — For the third consecutive year, the ports of Paranagua and Antonina handled record volumes in 2013.

The 46.1 million tonnes represented a 3.6% volume increase from the previous year. The largest increase was seen in general cargo, followed by solid bulk cargoes, mainly the export of soybeans.

General cargo accounted for 9 million tonnes, a 20% increase from 2012. Consolidation and management adjustments contributed to the increase in 2013, said Jose Richa Son, secretary of infrastructure and logistics.

Dredging and replacement of ship loaders will help the ports move even more tonnes this year, he said.

Solid bulk cargoes increased 1% to 31.9 million tonnes. The volume of the main product, soybeans, increased 17% to 7.8 million tonnes. Soybean meal increased 3% to 5.4 million tonnes.