PARANAGUÁ, BRAZIL —The newest shiploader at the Port of Paranaguá was completed the weekend of Dec. 12 and will enter its testing phase and begin operation on Dec. 20.

"The opening of the four shiploaders this year was another important commitment fulfilled by the State of Paraná,” said Secretary of Industry and Logistics, Jose Richa Son.

The investment in the acquisition of four new shiploaders was R$59.4 million ($15 million), paid for by the Administration of Paranaguá and Antonina Ports (APPA). Two of the shiploaders began operating in March and the third was completed in October.

The biggest challenge was adding the new equipment, with the least possible impact on the operation, said Luiz Henrique Dividino the chief executive officer (CEO) of APPA.

“The whole process was aligned with the terminals and now with the work complete, we will begin the year in full swing," Dividino said.

Each shiploader can operate at two tonnes per hour, while the older loaders had a capacity of  1.5 tonnes per hour. The new equipment will increase productivity by 33% and expand the loading capacity for the next crop of grain.