Representatives of Consulates and Chambers of Commerce from seven countries were received by Porto do Açu Operações, in the first edition of the Consul Day, which took place in the largest port, industrial and energy complex in Latin America. The purpose of the visit was to present the port and its differentials focusing on the resilience of Port of Açu which shows continuous growth rates despite the volatility and uncertainty of Brazilian market. The idea is that visitors of this first event focusing on the foreign market play the role of disseminators of the competitive advantages of the Complex of Port of Açu.

The Chief Commercial Officer of Porto do Açu Operações, Tessa Major, highlighted the importance of a closer relationship with strategic partners to expand the business possibilities between the Complex and foreign companies: “The Consul Day reinforces one of ou  main values, which is collaboration. It strengthens our cooperative relationship with Consulates and Chambers of Commerce, which are an important reference for foreign companies. We had the opportunity to show that we are the largest and more efficient port complex in Brazil with global standards and recognition, reinforcing the vision we want to convey for these representatives and its companies”, said Tessa.

In addition to consuls of the United States, China, Japan, Belgium and Argentina, members of the American, Portuguese and German Chambers of Commerce were on the 1st Consul Day. The group visited the Iron Ore (Ferroport), Petroleum (Açu Petróleo) and Multipurpose (T-MULT) Terminals, as well as the construction works of GNA – Gas Natural Açu, dedicated to the development, implementation and operation of the largest natural gas thermoelectric park in Latin America.

After the visit, the director of the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mário Mendonça, assured that he will be one of the promoters of Açu’s potentials: “I was impressed with the growth of the Port and with the businesses under development in the Complex. I was also amazed by the team’s enthusiasm and alignment, which allows everyone to walk together in the same direction. Today we have already noticed Germany’s presence with Oiltanking at the Petroleum Terminal and with Siemens in the development of the gas hub. In this pace of evolution, the relationship between Açu and German companies will certainly be even more fruitful, “he said. 

The Commercial Consul of China, Xu Yuansheng, arrived in Brazil two months ago, after some time in Uruguay, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. After the visit, he said that Açu is the ideal partner for Chinese entrepreneurs: “I was impressed with the Complex, which is a major asset in Latin America. In terms of logistics efficiency, Açu is extremely advantageous for Chinese companies in many sectors. We are already discussing some perspectives with two companies that I invited to join the Consul Day due to the synergies with the Complex, “he said.

About Açu 

With 130 km² of area, 40 km² of environmental reserve, the Complex has 13 companies installed today: Porto do Açu Operações, Açu Petróleo, BP Prumo, B-Port (Edison Chouest Group company), InterMoor, NOV, TechnipFMC, Wärtsilä, Ferroport, Anglo American, Dome, GNA – Gas Natural Açu and Estação Açu. Port of Açu also has strategic partnership with international ports such as Antwerp in Belgium, Houston in the USA, and Guangzhou in China.

The Complex currently has more than 6,000 workers and has a potential for 17 km of quay, 40% of which are already operational, as well as up to 25 meters deep, which allows the handling of VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) , which are among the largest in the world and have the capacity to store up to 2 million barrels of oil.

The Complex has a strong vocation for the O&G industry and currently handles oil, iron ore, coal, coke, bauxite and gypsum, as well as general and project cargos. Açu is also authorized to operate vehicles and is developing a project to create the necessary infrastructure for handling containers. In addition, it has expanded the types of cargo handling and customers, consolidating itself as an excellent option for the import and export of products.

Another feature of the Complex is the Açu Export Processing Zone (EPZ) – the first to be developed in the Southeast Region and under private management. Created in 2017 by presidential decree and expected to operate in 2021, Açu’s EPZ has an area of 2 km² and will have road infrastructure to transport different types and sizes of cargos.