UN/LOCODE: BRBEL📍 Brazil
Port of Belem (UN/LOCODE BRBEL)
❖ Coordinates: -1.4500°N, -48.5000°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Boa_Vista
❖ UN/LOCODE: BRBEL
## About the Port
Port of Belem, designated by UN/LOCODE as BRBEL, represents one of Northern Brazil's most strategically significant maritime gateways. Located along the Amazon River estuary in the state of Pará, this critical port facility operates within the America/Boa_Vista timezone at coordinates -1.45° latitude and -48.5° longitude. The port's unique geographical positioning provides essential access to the vast inland waterway network of the Amazon Basin, serving as a vital conduit for international trade in the region's primary commodities.
The Port of Belem functions as a multi-purpose maritime facility accommodating bulk cargo vessels, container ships, and riverine transport operations. Its infrastructure supports diverse cargo handling activities including mineral ore, agricultural products, and containerized freight, making it indispensable to Brazil's northern economic development strategy.
## History
The maritime legacy of Belem extends back to colonial Portuguese trading operations established in the 17th century, though the modern port facility emerged during Brazil's industrial expansion phase of the 1960s-1970s. Strategic infrastructure investments by the Brazilian government transformed this Amazonian river port into a critical node within the national logistics network, particularly for mineral extraction industries in the Carajás region.
Historical development focused initially on supporting iron ore exports from Vale S.A.'s massive Carajás mines, establishing deep-water berths capable of accommodating Panamax-class vessels. Subsequent decades witnessed progressive modernization initiatives aimed at expanding container handling capacity and integrating the port into broader Mercosur trade frameworks.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Belem features comprehensive maritime infrastructure including multiple dedicated berths for bulk cargo, specialized container handling terminals, and extensive warehouse facilities covering over 150 hectares of operational area. The port's breakwater system provides protected berthing for vessels up to 200,000 deadweight tons, while modern gantry crane arrays enable efficient containerized cargo processing.
Key facilities encompass:
- Four deep-water bulk cargo berths with maximum draught of 14 meters
- Two container terminals with combined annual throughput capacity exceeding 500,000 TEU
- Integrated warehouse complexes for general cargo, grain, and mineral storage
- Advanced cargo monitoring systems and customs inspection facilities
- Dedicated roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal for vehicle exports
Digital transformation initiatives include implementation of port community systems enabling real-time cargo tracking and electronic documentation processing, aligning Belem with global smart port standards.
## Economic Importance
As Pará state's largest maritime export hub, the Port of Belem generates substantial economic impact contributing approximately 15% of the region's total export value. Primary cargo streams include iron ore concentrates, soybeans, crude oil products, and manufactured goods, collectively generating annual trade volumes exceeding 120 million tons.
The port directly supports over 15,000 formal employment positions while catalyzing indirect economic activity throughout northern Brazil's supply chain network. Strategic infrastructure investments by the Brazilian government, including recent expansions funded through BNDES credit lines totaling R$2.3 billion, have enhanced operational efficiency and international competitiveness.
Regional development impact studies indicate the port contributes over BRL 8 billion annually to Pará's GDP, positioning Belem as essential infrastructure for Amazonian economic integration and foreign exchange generation.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Maritime traffic analysis reveals the Port of Belem maintains extensive shipping connections with major global markets including China, India, Netherlands, Spain, and United States East Coast ports. Regular liner services connect directly to Santos, Rotterdam, and Shanghai, while bulk cargo vessels operate frequent sailings to Asian iron ore import destinations.
Dominant cargo categories by volume include:
- Iron ore concentrates (45% of total tonnage)
- Soybean meal and grain products (25%)
- Petroleum and mineral fuel products (15%)
- Containerized manufactured goods and finished products (10%)
- Timber and forest products (5%)
The port's inland waterway connectivity via the Pará River system enables efficient barge transport to interior mining and agricultural regions, reducing logistics costs by approximately 30% compared to overland alternatives. This multimodal capability strengthens Belem's competitive position within Brazil's export logistics hierarchy, particularly for time-sensitive bulk commodities requiring reliable delivery schedules to Asian markets.
*Source: Brazilian Port Authority (ANTAQ) Annual Traffic Reports 2023*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
BRBEL
Country
Brazil
Province / Region
Pará
Latitude
-1.450000
Longitude
-48.500000
Timezone
America/Boa_Vista
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Belem?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Belem is BRBEL.
Where is Port of Belem located?
The Port of Belem is located in Brazil, Pará. Its coordinates are -1.4500°N, -48.5000°E.
What time zone is Port of Belem in?
Port of Belem operates in the America/Boa_Vista time zone.
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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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