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Huge structure promises to revolutionize railway logistics in Paraná, but delays in private connection may compromise operation and generate strategic losses to the Brazilian port sector
The information was disclosed by the “Gazeta do Povo”, in a report signed by Lígia Martoni, with technical details that reveal a simultaneously promising and concerning scenario at the Port of Paranaguá. This is because one of the largest logistical projects in Paraná, estimated at approximately R$ 600 million, is about to be completed — but still runs the risk of not operating at its full capacity.
The so-called Moegão of Paranaguá has already reached about 95% completion and is set to begin its testing phase in May. In theory, this represents a milestone for Brazilian logistical infrastructure, capable of transforming the way cargo is unloaded at the port. However, in practice, a critical factor still threatens to compromise all this progress: the lack of full integration with private terminals.
Moegão can triple efficiency and handle up to 24 million tons, but depends on connection with terminals
First of all, it is important to understand the real impact of the Moegão. The structure was designed to centralize railway unloading at the Port of Paranaguá, eliminating historical bottlenecks such as excessive maneuvers, composition breaks, and individualized access to terminals.
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As a result, the system will allow for the simultaneous unloading of up to 180 wagons distributed across three independent lines. Furthermore, the participation of the railway modal could jump from the current 15% to about 50% of all cargo handled at the port.
In practice, this means that the volume could reach an impressive 24 million tons — a significant leap from the current approximately 5 million handled by rail.
However, despite this enormous potential, full operation directly depends on the connection of the 11 terminals to the new system. And it is precisely at this point that the greatest risk arises: the public work is advancing rapidly, while private investments are proceeding at different paces.
Lack of integration may delay operation and generate risk of billion-dollar idleness
On the other hand, the current scenario reveals a concerning contradiction. While the “backbone” of the system is practically ready, the so-called operational capillarity has not yet been consolidated.
So far, only the Cotriguaçu terminal has effectively begun the connection works, with an estimated investment of R$ 45 million. The other operators are still at different stages, such as licensing, design, or contracting.
According to Luiz Fernando Garcia, president of Portos do Paraná, the expectation is that all terminals will be connected within a period of 12 to 14 months from March 2026. In other words, there is a clear mismatch between the completion of the work and its full utilization.
Consequently, this delay may create a classic scenario of underutilization of infrastructure — the dreaded “white elephant.” This is because, without total integration, the Moegão will not be able to operate at its maximum capacity, significantly reducing the expected gains.
Still, Garcia states that this possibility was already foreseen from the beginning of the project. According to him, there was dialogue with the operators, who expressed interest in the connection. Additionally, more recent contracts already require integration into the system.
Railway has surplus capacity, but bottleneck lies in unloading and port operation
In addition to the structural issue, another relevant point involves railway capacity. According to the concessionaire responsible for the Southern Network, the Serra do Mar region has the potential to handle up to 40 million tons.
In other words, the limitation is not in the railway itself, but in the efficiency of the unloading process within the port. Currently, excessive maneuvers and the fragmentation of terminals drastically reduce productivity.
In this context, the Moegão emerges as a strategic solution to eliminate these inefficiencies and prepare the port for the future, especially in light of projects like Ferroeste and the possible renewal of the railway concession.
However, as the current contract for the Southern Network expires in February 2027, the investment scenario from the concessionaire remains uncertain. This, in turn, adds another layer of complexity to the full operation schedule of the Moegão.
Competition among ports pressures integration and acceleration of investments
Meanwhile, the private sector is already beginning to feel competitive pressure. According to Rodrigo Buffara, representative of Cotriguaçu and the Brazilian Association of Port Terminals (ABTP), modernization is not just an option — it is a strategic necessity.
This is because competition among Brazilian ports is becoming increasingly fierce. If Paranaguá does not advance quickly, there is a risk of losing cargo to other more efficient logistical corridors.
Moreover, the road modal is already operating close to its limit in the region, which further reinforces the need for railway expansion.
Thus, the Moegão represents not just an operational improvement, but a structural transformation in the port’s logistical model.
Concession of Moegão and future of the railway increase uncertainties about full operation
Finally, a new element comes into play: the possibility of granting the Moegão itself to the private sector. The model is still under development and is expected to undergo public consultation soon.
According to the port administration, the challenge will be to create a format that is attractive to the market, without generating negative impacts for users and maintaining the competitiveness of railway transport.
At the same time, the uncertainty regarding the renewal or re-bidding of the Southern Network remains a critical factor. The concessionaire Rumo only reported that it is maintaining dialogue with the federal government, without detailing its future plans.
In light of this scenario, the Port of Paranaguá faces a complex challenge: aligning three distinct schedules — that of the public work, that of the private terminals, and that of the national railway infrastructure.
Moegão can redefine the future of the Port of Paranaguá — or become a national warning
In summary, the Moegão represents one of the largest logistical bets in Brazil in recent decades. With the potential to handle up to 24 million tons and transform the efficiency of the Port of Paranaguá, the project carries enormous expectations.
However, at the same time, it highlights a recurring problem in large infrastructure projects: the lack of synchronization between public and private investments.
If everything progresses as planned, the port could establish itself as one of the main logistical hubs in South America. On the other hand, if delays persist, the risk of idleness could turn a billion-dollar project into a symbol of inefficiency.
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