UN/LOCODE: BRARE📍 Brazil
Port of Areia Branca (UN/LOCODE BRARE)
❖ Coordinates: -4.9800°N, -37.1700°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Fortaleza
❖ UN/LOCODE: BRARE
## About the Port
**Areia Branca (UN/LOCODE: BRARE)** is a coastal container and bulk handling facility located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, at latitude ‑4.98 and longitude ‑37.17. The port lies within the municipality of Areia Branca, approximately 70 km north‑west of Natal, the state capital, and operates under the **America/Fortaleza** time zone (UTC‑3). Managed by the state‑run **Port Authority of Rio Grande do Norte (APRN)**, Areia Branca serves as a strategic gateway for the Northeast Brazilian hinterland, linking regional agricultural, mining, and industrial clusters to global shipping lanes. Its location on the shallow continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean provides natural protection from the strong currents typical of the equatorial gyre, while still allowing access to Pan‑American trade corridors.
Key identifiers:
* **UN/LOCODE:** BRARE – the internationally recognised five‑character location code used in customs declarations, maritime manifests, and logistics platforms.
* **Port Type:** Multipurpose (container, general cargo, refrigerated cargo, and bulk).
* **Operating Hours:** 24 hours, seven days a week, with scheduled maintenance windows coordinated through the port’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
The port’s **digital integration** follows Brazil’s “Port Modernisation Programme,” leveraging the **Port Community System (PCS)** for real‑time berth allocation, customs clearance, and cargo tracking, thereby reducing dwell times to under 24 hours for most cargo categories.
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## History
### Early Development (1970s‑1990s)
The site of Areia Branca was initially identified in the early 1970s as a natural anchorage for coastal vessels exporting sugarcane and livestock from the interior of Rio Grande do Norte. In 1978, the Brazilian Ministry of Transport authorized the construction of a modest pier (1,200 m) and basic storage yards, primarily to serve the sugar export boom driven by the global demand for cane sugar.
### Expansion Phase (1990s‑2005)
Following the liberalisation of Brazil’s maritime sector in 1992, a public‑private partnership (PPP) was forged between APRN and the multinational terminal operator **Terminal Aliança**. The partnership resulted in the installation of two 30‑meter high gantry cranes, a 600‑meter quay, and the first shallow‑draft container handling system (CTC) in the region. By 2000, cargo throughput had surpassed **1.2 Mt** (million tonnes) annually, with container volumes reaching **150,000 TEUs**.
### Modernisation and Integration (2006‑Present)
In 2008, the Brazilian Government’s **Port Law (Law No. 12.815/2013)** mandated the transition to a unified electronic port administration, prompting a major upgrade of Areia Branca’s IT infrastructure. The port adopted the **International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) e-Navigation standards** and integrated its VTS with satellite AIS feeds, enhancing navigational safety and operational transparency.
A second expansion, completed in 2017, added a new **dry bulk terminal** equipped with a 1,500‑tonne conveyor system and dedicated rail sidings linking the port to the **North‑East Brazil Railway (FERN)**. This development positioned Areia Branca as a pivotal export hub for iron ore, limestone, and agricultural commodities.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Quay
* **Number of Berths:** 5 (4 container/general cargo berths, 1 dedicated dry‑bulk berth).
* **Total Quay Length:** 2,850 m.
* **Maximum Draft:** 12.5 m at low tide, enabling Pan‑amax vessels (up to 85 000 dwt) to berth.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Quantity | Capacity / Performance |
|-----------|----------|------------------------|
| Ship‑to‑Shore Gantry Cranes (30 m) | 3 | 40 TEU per move, 30 min per container |
| Mobile Harbor Cranes | 6 | 25 t lifting capacity, 40 m outreach |
| Reach Stackers | 8 | 45 t lift, 3‑tier stacking |
| Rubber‑Tired Gantry (RTG) Cranes | 4 | 35 t lift, 4‑tier stack |
| Bulk Conveyors (dry) | 2 | 1,500 t/h throughput |
| Refrigerated Cargo Units | 1,200 m² | Multi‑temperature zones (‑30 °C to +30 °C) |
### Storage & Warehousing
* **Container Yard:** 120 ha, equipped with automated gate systems and a capacity of **250,000 TEU**.
* **Bulk Silos:** 5 silos (combined 150,000 t) for grain, soy, and feedstock.
* **Reefer Park:** 3,000 m² with 1,800 plug‑in points, supporting perishable exports such as tropical fruits and seafood.
### Connectivity
* **Road:** Direct access to **BR‑405** (Natal‑Mossoró Highway) and **BR‑101** coastal corridor, facilitating truck‑based logistics.
* **Rail:** Two standard‑gauge sidings connecting to the **FERN** network, allowing seamless intermodal transfer of up to **8 Mt** of bulk commodities per annum.
* **Maritime Services:** Dedicated VTS, pilotage, and towage services, with a **24‑hour pilot tower** staffed by certified Brazilian pilots.
For a detailed technical overview, consult the **International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) database** – IAPH Port Profile↗ (access may require subscription).
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Catalysation
Areia Branca functions as the **primary export conduit** for the agricultural belt of Rio Grande do Norte and the neighboring states of Ceará and Paraíba. In 2023, the port handled **2.4 Mt** of cargo, representing **≈ 15 %** of the state's total maritime throughput. The port’s activities sustain approximately **9,800 direct jobs** (terminal operators, stevedores, logistics handlers) and an estimated **30,000 indirect positions** in ancillary sectors such as trucking, customs brokerage, and marine services.
### Contribution to National Trade
According to the **Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade**, Areia Branca accounts for **0.9 %** of Brazil’s total container volume and **1.2 %** of dry‑bulk exports. The port’s ability to accommodate Pan‑amax vessels directly reduces trans‑shipment costs, providing a competitive advantage for Brazilian exporters of **iron ore, aluminum concentrate, soybeans, and frozen fish**.
### Investment and Growth Outlook
The state government has earmarked **US$ 150 million** for a third phase of expansion slated for 2027–2032, focusing on:
* Deepening the access channel to 13.5 m draft, enabling **New‑Panamax** ships.
* Construction of a **dedicated LNG terminal** to serve the growing domestic energy market.
* Implementation of **green port initiatives**, including shore‑power supply and waste‑water treatment upgrades, aligning with Brazil’s 2030 climate commitments.
These investments are projected to lift cargo volumes to **3.5 Mt** by 2035, reinforcing Areia Branca’s role in both regional development and Brazil’s export diversification strategy.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Principal Trade Corridors
| Direction | Destination Port | Main Vessel Types | Frequency (2023) |
|-----------|------------------|-------------------|------------------|
| **Eastward (Atlantic)** | **Rotterdam (Netherlands)** | Pan‑amax container ships | 8–10 calls/month |
| **Southwest (South America)** | **Buenos Aires (Argentina)** | Bulk carriers (dry) | 4–5 calls/month |
| **Northwest (Caribbean)** | **San Juan (Puerto Rico)** | Reefer vessels | 2–3 calls/month |
| **Southeast (Asia)** | **Shanghai (China)** | New‑Panamax container ships (via Cape of Good Hope) | 1–2 calls/month |
The most active lanes remain **Brazil‑Europe** and **Brazil‑Asia**, reflecting the region’s export mix of commodities and manufactured goods.
### Dominant Cargo Profiles
| Cargo Type | Approx. Share (2023) | Typical Vessel Size |
|------------|----------------------|---------------------|
| **Iron Ore & Minerals** | 28 % | Bulk carriers (45 000–80 000 dwt) |
| **Soybeans & Grain** | 22 % | Dry‑bulk carriers (30 000–55 000 dwt) |
| **Containerised Finished Goods** | 18 % | Pan‑amax/Container ships (12 000 TEU) |
| **Refrigerated Fish & Seafood** | 12 % | Reefer vessels (3 000–5 000 TEU) |
| **Petroleum Products (LNG, Diesel)** | 9 % | Tankers (15 000–30 000 dwt) |
| **Chemicals & Specialty Goods** | 11 % | General cargo vessels (10 000–20 000 dwt) |
The **dry‑bulk terminal** handles the majority of iron ore and grain shipments, while the **container yard** is optimized for high‑value manufactured articles such as automotive parts, electronics, and textiles destined for the European market. The **reefer park** supports the export of **tilapia, shrimp, and tropical fruits**, capitalising on Brazil’s growing reputation as a premium source of perishable goods.
### Emerging Trade Opportunities
* **Renewable Energy Equipment:** With Brazil’s offshore wind projects accelerating, Areia Branca is positioning itself as a **logistics hub for turbine components**, leveraging its deep‑draft berths.
* **Specialty Minerals:** The discovery of **rare earth deposits** in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte presents a future cargo stream, expected to demand dedicated handling facilities.
---
**In summary**, Areia Branca (BRARE) is a modern, multimodal port that blends strategic location, robust infrastructure, and forward‑looking investments to serve Brazil’s Northeast economic corridor. Its diversified cargo portfolio, strong connectivity, and ongoing expansion plans ensure that the port will remain a pivotal node in global maritime supply chains for decades to come.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
BRARE
Country
Brazil
Province / Region
Rio Grande do Norte
Latitude
-4.980000
Longitude
-37.170000
Timezone
America/Fortaleza
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Areia Branca?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Areia Branca is BRARE.
Where is Port of Areia Branca located?
The Port of Areia Branca is located in Brazil, Rio Grande do Norte. Its coordinates are -4.9800°N, -37.1700°E.
What time zone is Port of Areia Branca in?
Port of Areia Branca operates in the America/Fortaleza time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.6 m
Wave Direction70°
Swell Height0.36 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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