In July, Helano Pereira Gomes, the executive VP, participated in the Norte Export Forum 2024, organized by the Brasil Export Forum, which took place in Palmas (TO) assembling leaders of the logistics segment to discuss the future of logistics corridors of the North and Northeast of Brazil. During the panel in which he took part, Helano emphasized that the logistics connections between those two regions are paramount for the company´s expansion and for the Brazilian economy. He mentioned for instance, the terminal in operation at the Vila do Conde Port (PA) and the terminal under construction in Palmeirante (TO). The latter will make the connection to the Itaqui terminal (MA) through the VLI railroad net, exemplifying Ultracargo´s plan to move its operations to states´ hinterlands. “These projects will not only fortify Ultracargo on the national market, but also promote significant improvements for the entire business chain, benefitting the final consumer directly with a more efficient and integrated logistics,” he highlighted.
The VP also explained how logistics efficiency is intrinsically linked to strong infrastructure investments, emphasizing that, when private enterprises and the government work together in support of that efficiency, businesses are boosted, carting real benefits for the civil society, which ultimately is what matters most. According to him, Ultracargo is committed to be the main actor in this process, by investing in projects that connect the country´s hinterland with major urban centers, facilitating product movement, strengthening the economy, and performing socially in the communities around its operations.
Terminals in the North of Brazil
Ultracargo has a terminal located in the Vila do Conde port (PA), with a storage capacity of 120 thousand cubic meters for bulk liquids, focused on fuels capable of receiving large ships and barges. Jointly with the Itaqui Terminal (MA), the terminal contributes to reduce the fuels deficit in the Brazilian North and Northeast regions.
“This terminal adds to other initiatives of the plan for inland move of activities to strengthen the so-called North Arch, a set of strategic ports that supply the region. Since 2018, for instance, we tripled the storage capacity of the Itaqui Terminal, that operates simultaneously in maritime and road transport mode having been conceived to operate with advanced automation level, contributing to maximize productivity and efficiency” states Décio Amaral, CEO of Ultracargo.
Concerning the terminal under construction in Palmeirante (TO), it will connect to the Itaqui Port by the VLI railroad net and with a tanking capacity of 23 thousand m3, with operation foreseen to begin in the first half year of 2025. With rail and road modes as protagonists in this corridor, we will enable more efficient, safe, and sustainable logistics for fuel transport, facilitating their arrival to the interior of Maranhão, Tocantins and Pará. Until 2026, we plan to expand our infrastructure at the Itaqui Port, raising the add the local storage capacity by 79 thousand m3, in addition to the present 155 thousand cubic meters,” concludes Décio.