“Like other exporter companies in Brazil, Cargill considers that Barcarena is a strategic region to transport grains,” said Clythio Backx van Buggenhout, director of ports for Cargill.

Buggenhout said Baía do Capim was chosen as a potential port site in part because its location appears to ensure a safe and effective operation, such as appropriate depth and feasible access for barges, as well as lower exposure to winds and waves that are important factors for safe operations in the region.

Cargill has said it will invest approximately 700 million reais (U.S.$212 million) in the port project, which would have the capacity to handle about six million tonnes of grains per year. Operations would start up at the port between 2022 and 2025, depending on demand and other strategic decisions, Cargill said.

The company said it expects to employ 150 in the first phase of implementation and 300 during other phases.

“For Cargill, Northern region is essential and, in this regard, a port in the region of Barcarena will complete the company’s logistics matrix in Rota Norte,” Buggenhout said. “In conjunction with the Santarém terminal, we will have a total capacity to transport 12 million tonnes of grains per year.”