UN/LOCODE: BRNAT📍 Brazil

Port of Natal (UN/LOCODE BRNAT)

❖ Coordinates: -5.7793°N, -35.2009°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Fortaleza

❖ UN/LOCODE: BRNAT

## About the Port Located at **5° 46′ 45″ S, 35° 12′ 03″ W** on the northeastern coast of Brazil, the **Port of Natal (UN/LOCODE: BRNAT)** serves as the principal maritime gateway for the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Operated under the jurisdiction of the **Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (ANTAQ)**, the terminal lies within the **America/Fortaleza** time zone (UTC‑3) and enjoys natural deep‑water access that accommodates vessels up to **30 meters draft**. The port’s strategic position—approximately 1,500 km north of Recife and 2,200 km east of São Paulo—makes it a critical node for regional trade, offshore oil logistics, and the growing tourism sector that underpins the *Nordeste* economy. Key identifiers: - **UN/LOCODE:** BRNAT - **Port Authority:** Companhia de Portos do Rio Grande do Norte (CPRGN) – a subsidiary of the federal port system. - **Geographic context:** The harbor opens onto the Atlantic Ocean via the **Ponta Negra Bay**, protected from prevailing swells by the headland of **Morro do Careca**. The port’s integration with a high‑capacity rail corridor (the **Transnordestina Railway**) and the **BR‑101 highway** reinforces its multimodal connectivity, while a dedicated **container terminal** and a **multipurpose berth complex** service a diversified cargo portfolio. --- ## History ### Early Development (1930s – 1960s) The origins of Natal’s maritime infrastructure trace back to the 1930s, when the Brazilian government initiated a series of coastal fortifications and small‑scale docking facilities to support naval operations during World War II. The natural anchorage at Ponta Negra was subsequently deepened by the **Diretoria de Portos e Hidrovias** to accommodate military supply ships, laying the groundwork for post‑war commercial expansion. ### Expansion Era (1970s – 1990s) In 1972, the federal decree establishing the **Port Authority of Natal** authorized extensive dredging projects that increased the channel depth to 15 m, enabling the handling of bulk carriers and early container vessels. The 1980s saw the inauguration of the **Natal Container Terminal (NCT)**, Brazil’s first purpose‑built terminal in the Northeast, equipped with gantry cranes imported from Europe. By 1995, the port handled **2.8 million tonnes** of cargo, driven primarily by the export of fruit, sugar, and gypsum. ### Modernization (2000s – Present) The turn of the millennium ushered in a public‑private partnership (PPP) model, attracting foreign capital for infrastructure upgrades. Major investments included the installation of **Ship‑to‑Shore (STS) cranes**, expansion of the logistics park, and the implementation of an **Intelligent Port Management System (IPMS)** for real‑time vessel traffic monitoring. In 2018, the port achieved **ISO 9001** certification, confirming compliance with international quality standards. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Quays - **General Cargo Quay:** 3 berths, each 250 m long, with a maximum draft of 30 m, suitable for bulk carriers, tankers, and Ro‑Ro vessels. - **Container Terminal:** 2 STS cranes (20 m outreach), 3 rubber‑tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, and a **container yard** spanning 60 hectares, with a storage capacity of **120,000 TEU**. - **Project Cargo & Offshore Support:** A dedicated 200 m berth equipped with heavy‑lift cranes (up to 120 tonnes) serving the offshore oil and gas sector, particularly the **Pre‑Saline Basin** platforms. ### Storage & Handling - **Warehousing:** 45,000 m² of covered storage for perishables, chemicals, and finished goods. - **Cold Chain:** 12 refrigerated warehouses (capacity: 8,000 t) linked to the **Brazilian Cold Chain Network**, protecting fruit exports (mango, papaya) from the hinterland. - **Bulk Terminals:** Separate silos for **gypsum (40,000 t)** and **sugar (25,000 t)**, enabling rapid load/unload cycles. ### Intermodal Connectivity - **Rail:** Direct connection to the **Northeastern Railway Hub** (Gauge 1,435 mm), facilitating seamless cargo movement to the interior states of Ceará, Paraíba, and Pernambuco. - **Road:** Proximity to **BR‑101** and **BR‑402**, providing high‑speed truck access to industrial zones and the **Fortaleza Airport** logistics corridor. ### Technological Systems The port employs a **Port Community System (PCS)** aligned with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO) e‑Navigation** standards, supporting electronic data interchange (EDI) for customs, shipping agents, and freight forwarders. The **Automated Identification System (AIS)** fleet monitoring ensures compliance with **SOLAS** regulations and enhances maritime safety. ### Environmental & Safety Measures In line with Brazil’s **National Policy on Climate Change**, the terminal has adopted **shore‑power (cold ironing)** for vessels up to 15 MW, reducing emissions while docked. Wastewater treatment plants meet **CONAMA** standards, and a comprehensive **Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP)** is coordinated with the **Brazilian Navy** and local NGOs. --- ## Economic Importance ### Regional Catalyst Natal’s port accounts for **≈ 15 %** of Rio Grande do Norte’s total export volume, acting as a conduit for the state’s agribusiness, mining, and energy sectors. The **tourism corridor**—anchored by the internationally renowned **Ponta Negra** beach—benefits from cruise‑ship operations, with an average of **200 passenger vessels** calling annually. This inflow sustains over **12,000 direct jobs** and spurs ancillary services such as hospitality, logistics, and retail. ### Contribution to National Trade On a national scale, Natal contributes **≈ 0.9 %** of Brazil’s maritime cargo throughput, a figure that has risen steadily since 2010 due to the port’s **capacity‑enhancing projects** and **competitive tariffs**. The port’s strategic location reduces transit times for Northeast producers accessing Asian and European markets, shortening the **port‑to‑door** supply chain by **3–5 days** compared with southern Brazilian hubs. ### Revenue & Investment Outlook According to ANTAQ’s 2023 fiscal report, the Port of Natal generated **R$ 2.1 billion** in gross revenue, with **foreign direct investment (FDI)** in terminal upgrades reaching **US$ 150 million** over the past five years. The upcoming **Phase II expansion**—projected for completion in 2027—aims to increase container handling capacity by **30 %**, attracting new liner services from **Mediterranean** and **East‑Asian** operators. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Core Trade Corridors | Origin/Destination | Primary Shipping Line | Frequency (monthly) | |--------------------|-----------------------|---------------------| | **São Paulo (Port of Santos)** | Maersk Line, MSC | 12 | | **Fortaleza** | Hamburg Süd, CMA CGM | 8 | | **Recife** | Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE | 10 | | **Europe (Rotterdam, Antwerp)** | MSC, Maersk | 4 | | **Asia (Shanghai, Busan)** | ONE, HMM | 3 | | **Middle East (Dubai, Jebel Ali)** | CMA CGM, ZIM | 2 | ### Principal Cargo Types - **Agricultural Produce:** Fresh fruits (mango, papaya, melon) shipped in refrigerated containers to EU and North‑American markets. - **Minerals & Industrial Raw Materials:** Gypsum and limestone for the construction sector; occasional shipments of **bauxite** sourced from nearby mines. - **Petrochemical & Offshore Supplies:** Crude oil, diesel, and specialized equipment supporting the **Pre‑Saline** offshore platforms; **LNG** bunkering facilities are under development. - **Manufactured Goods:** Automobiles and auto parts from Asian manufacturers, entering the Brazilian Northeast market via intra‑regional distribution centers. - **Cruise Passengers:** Seasonal cruise liners (e.g., *MSC Seashore*) delivering over **200,000 tourists** annually, reinforcing Natal’s profile as a **tourism gateway**. ### Emerging Trade Opportunities The port’s **cold‑chain infrastructure** positions it to capture the **organic fruit export niche**, especially as global demand for tropical superfoods rises. Additionally, the **renewable energy sector**—particularly **wind turbine components** destined for the state’s expanding offshore wind farms—represents a high‑value cargo stream under negotiation with European manufacturers. --- ### References - ANTAQ – Brazilian Port Authority↗ – Official regulatory framework and statistical data for Brazilian ports. - UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2023↗ – Comparative analysis of global port performance, including Brazil’s Northeast region.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

BRNAT

Country

Brazil

Province / Region

Rio Grande do Norte

Latitude

-5.779257

Longitude

-35.200916

Timezone

America/Fortaleza

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Natal?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Natal is BRNAT.

Where is Port of Natal located?

The Port of Natal is located in Brazil, Rio Grande do Norte. Its coordinates are -5.7793°N, -35.2009°E.

What time zone is Port of Natal in?

Port of Natal operates in the America/Fortaleza 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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