A.P. Moller - Maersk has announced investments in two inland facilities in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paranaguá, Paraná, expanding its logistics network in southern Brazil. The company said the sites were selected for their position in high-volume export corridors and proximity to major production centers, supporting integrated end-to-end logistics solutions and Brazil’s role in South American trade flows.
According to Maersk, both facilities are located near their respective ports and have direct road access to regional distribution hubs. The company said this will enable faster container rotation, improved inland transport efficiency and reduced bottlenecks during seasonal peaks. Rio Grande also supports the cabotage network operated by Aliança Navegação e Logística.
In Paranaguá, Maersk said it is adding 3,160 m² (approx. 34,000 sq ft) to bring the Cargo Services area to 6,000 m² (approx. 64,600 sq ft), aimed at increasing throughput and improving truck flow during periods of high demand for agricultural and refrigerated cargo. In Rio Grande, the depot is located 2.5 km (approx. 1.6 miles) from the port and covers about 70,000 m² (approx. 753,000 sq ft). Maersk said the Rio Grande site is designed as a multipurpose depot for high-volume operations, with dry and reefer container handling, empty and full container storage, cargo services, cross-docking and operational support activities.
The company said both locations include optimized layouts for container handling and truck circulation, dedicated reefer plug capacity, and infrastructure for safe and efficient operations. The facilities will also offer container inspection, cleaning, repairs and operational support services, while supporting integration with inland transport, customs-related activities and ocean services. “By expanding capacity near the ports of Rio Grande and Paranaguá, we strengthen inland reliability, support peak season demand, and create simpler end to end logistics solutions for the sectors driving Brazil’s trade growth,” said Ricardo Rocha, Vice President - Managing Director East Coast South America.