TCP Launches New Weekly Cabotage Service

At the end of June, TCP—the company operating the Container Terminal of Paranaguá—announced the addition of the Puma service to its portfolio, a new weekly cabotage line. Operated by the shipping company Mercosul Line, the route had its inaugural call this Sunday (June 22), marking the start of a strategic connection linking the ports of Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Mar del Plata, Itajaí, Paranaguá, and Santos.

Comprising two vessels, the new line strengthens TCP’s position as a key logistics hub in South America, offering another routing option for the terminal’s customers. The Mercosul Santos—a 210-meter-long, 30-meter-wide ship with nearly 2,500 TEUs of capacity and around 500 reefer plugs—was the first to call at TCP. The Puma service is expected to move over 1,700 TEUs per call, on average.

Among the main products expected to be transported on this route, both for export and import, are items from the automotive sector, machinery and mechanical parts, dairy products, plastics, rubber, copper, zinc, and aluminum.

According to Carolina Brown, TCP’s commercial manager for shipping lines, the new line represents a strategic advancement for national logistics. “With this new connection, we strengthen integration between Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, offering an efficient and sustainable route for cargo transport. It’s a solution that expands the logistical options for our clients and reinforces Paranaguá’s role as a key link in South American trade,” she said.

Cabotage, used for container transport between ports within the same country, is a cost-effective and secure alternative that reduces damage risks and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to other modes of transport. The Puma service also offers the advantage of direct connection with Mercosur countries, promoting regional logistics integration.

With the inclusion of this new line, TCP now operates three dedicated cabotage services, totaling 25 maritime services in its portfolio—making it the leading terminal in Brazil in terms of vessel calls. This extensive network ensures global coverage for exporters and importers operating through Paranaguá.

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