Terminal reinforces its environmental commitment by promoting a greener and more sustainable logistics chain
Ports play a crucial role in global logistics: essential to the economy, they have the power to directly impact the environment and the community around them. Therefore, as the demand for cleaner and more efficient operations grows, the adoption of sustainable practices is no longer just a trend, but a vital requirement for the survival and prosperity of the port sector.
In this context, TCP, the company that manages the Paranaguá Container Terminal, operates in a protected bay – Paranaguá Bay – which brings with it an even greater environmental responsibility. Therefore, in July this year, the company renewed its commitment to the United Nations Global Compact, an initiative that encourages business practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For Kayo Zaiats, TCP’s environmental manager, “this renewal is particularly important in a scenario where sustainability has become a legal and market requirement. With it, we reaffirm the Terminal’s role as an active agent in building a better future,” he explains.
With just over five years left to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda, joining the Global Compact provides Brazilian ports with a clear path to align themselves with international standards and regulations. Among the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations, the Terminal has focused its efforts on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Action against Global Climate Change (SDG 13).
Sustainability in practice: actions and targets for the environment
TCP has incorporated the principles of the Pact, which cover human rights, working conditions, the environment and the fight against corruption, into its organizational culture. A signatory since 2016, adherence to the Pact has promoted a cultural transformation in the company, with sustainability and socio-environmental responsibility becoming pillars of its decisions.
In the future, Terminal foresees the expansion of green logistics initiatives, more efficient recycling and waste management programs, as well as efforts to improve energy efficiency throughout the operations chain. “The goals for the coming years include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, increasing energy efficiency by 25% and ensuring that 100% of operational waste is recycled or reused,” says Zaiats.
With regard to what has been achieved in recent years, since 2022 TCP has had a partnership with EDP to purchase energy generated 100% from renewable sources. With I-REC certification, all the electricity used in port operations comes from hydroelectric generation, ensuring cleaner operations at the Terminal, which has the largest yard for refrigerated containers in South America.
Another significant action was the pilot project to electrify two RTGs (rubber-tyred gantry cranes), used to handle containers on the railroad, resulting in a 97% reduction in CO2 emissions in the operations of each piece of equipment.
In addition, TCP has stood out with other sustainable initiatives, such as the terminal modernization project, which adopts low-carbon technologies, the creation of green roofs and walls on containers, and the development of a reverse logistics program for materials used in port operations. To extend the reach of these practices, the company has promoted sustainability awareness workshops, aligning its suppliers and partners with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
TCP also actively participates in the Portos do Paraná Decarbonization Plan, developed by Fundación Valenciaport, which aims to calculate CO2 emissions in logistics operations on the coast of Paraná and develop decarbonization strategies.
