UN/LOCODE: BRVIC📍 Brazil
Port of Vila do Conde (UN/LOCODE BRVIC)
❖ Coordinates: -7.2700°N, -34.9000°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Fortaleza
❖ UN/LOCODE: BRVIC
## About the Port
**Port of Vila do Conde (UN/LOCODE: BRVIC)** is a mid‑size, multipurpose maritime gateway situated on the eastern coast of Brazil, in the state of Paraíba. The terminal lies at **7.27° S, 34.90° W**, within the **America/Fortaleza** time zone (UTC‑3). Operated by the **Companhia de Navegação de Vila do Conde (CNVC)** under the oversight of the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, the port serves a strategic hinterland that includes the metropolitan area of João Pessoa, the interior agricultural zones of Paraíba, and the neighboring states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará.
The facility is classified by the Brazilian Port Authorities as a **“Port of Medium Importance”** (Porto de Importância Média) and is equipped to handle bulk, break‑bulk, containerized, and project cargo. Its geographic position, roughly 150 nm north of Recife, gives it a competitive edge for vessels navigating the South Atlantic trade lanes that connect Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.
> *Key identifiers:*
> - **UN/LOCODE:** BRVIC
> - **ICAO/Maritime:** 8740007 (Port Authority code)
> - **Customs jurisdiction:** Receita Federal – Unidade de Tratamento Aduaneiro de Vila do Conde
*For official port codes and regulatory details, see the UN/LOCODE database*【https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/】.
---
## History
### Early Development (1910‑1950)
The origins of Vila do Conde trace back to the early 20th century when the Brazilian government encouraged the development of coastal outlets to support the burgeoning export of sugarcane and cotton. A modest breakwater was constructed in 1913, enabling small steamers to dock safely.
### Expansion Era (1960‑1990)
During Brazil’s “Economic Miracle,” the port received substantial federal investment. In 1968, a reinforced concrete jetty (1,200 m) was inaugurated, paired with a mechanized grain elevator to accommodate the surge in soy and corn exports. The 1975 addition of a dedicated container terminal (three berths) marked Vila do Conde’s entry into containerized trade.
### Modernization & Privatization (1995‑Present)
The 1990s saw the implementation of Brazil’s Port Reform Law (Lei nº 7.593/1987), prompting the privatization of several terminals. CNVC assumed operational control in 1998, initiating a series of upgrades:
- Installation of a **Super‑Silo 4500** for grain storage (2003)
- Deployment of a **Computerized Port Management System (CPMS)** integrating AIS, customs, and berth planning (2012)
- Construction of a **dedicated Ro‑Ro ramp** to support automotive and heavy equipment imports (2017)
These investments positioned Vila do Conde as a reliable hub for both bulk commodities and high‑value manufactured goods, aligning with Brazil’s diversified export strategy.
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berthing & Draft
- **Number of berths:** 9 (4 for containers, 3 for bulk, 2 multipurpose)
- **Maximum draught:** 12.5 m at mean low water, accommodating Panamax and post‑Panamax vessels up to 80,000 DWT.
- **Quay length:** 2,850 m total, with reinforced concrete foundations and anti‑corrosion coating.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Quantity | Typical Cargo |
|-----------|----------|----------------|
| Ship‑to‑Shore Crane (45 t) | 6 | Containerized |
| Mobile Harbor Crane (30 t) | 12 | Break‑bulk |
| Bulk Unloaders (VSI, 2 000 t/h) | 4 | Grain, Fertilizer |
| Reach Stackers | 10 | Container yards |
| Rubber‑tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG) | 8 | Yard operations |
| Ro‑Ro Roll‑on/Roll‑off ramps | 2 | Vehicles, Project cargo |
### Storage & Warehousing
- **Covered warehouses:** 45,000 m² (temperature‑controlled) for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
- **Open yards:** 300,000 m² equipped with GPS‑guided stacking for containers and bulk pallets.
- **Tank farm:** 8,500 m³ capacity for liquid cargo (diesel, LPG, ethanol).
### Connectivity
- **Rail link:** 10 km spur to the **Vale do Paraíba Railway**, enabling direct rail‑to‑port service for agricultural exports.
- **Road network:** Direct access to BR‑101 (North‑South coastal highway) and BR‑230 (Trans‑Amazonian).
- **Digital:** Integrated port community system (PCS) compliant with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO) e‑Port** standards, facilitating real‑time data exchange with customs, shipping lines, and freight forwarders.
*For further technical specifications, refer to the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports*【https://www.gov.br/portos-e-aviacao/pt-br】.
---
## Economic Importance
### Regional Impact
Vila do Conde handles over **4.2 Mt** of cargo annually, representing roughly **12 %** of Paraíba’s total maritime throughput. The port directly supports:
- **Agribusiness:** Primary export gateway for soybeans, corn, and cassava from the Agreste and Sertão regions.
- **Industrial manufacturing:** Receives automotive components, steel coils, and machinery for the growing industrial parks around João Pessoa.
- **Tourism & services:** Catalyzes cruise ship tourism with a dedicated passenger terminal, generating estimated US$ 45 million in ancillary revenue per year.
### National Significance
On a national scale, Vila do Conde contributes to Brazil’s **balance of trade** by diversifying export corridors beyond the traditional Rio de Janeiro–Santos axis. The port’s capacity to handle **project cargo** (e.g., wind turbine components for the Northeast renewable energy corridor) aligns with Brazil’s 2030 renewable energy targets, reinforcing its strategic importance.
### Employment & Skill Development
The terminal employs **≈ 1,200** permanent staff and creates an additional **≈ 3,500** indirect jobs (logistics, customs brokerage, ancillary services). CNVC runs a **Maritime Technical Training Center**, offering certification in cargo handling, hazardous material management, and maritime safety, thereby raising the skill level of the regional workforce.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Lanes
| Origin/Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency (Monthly) |
|--------------------|-------------|----------------------|
| **Rotterdam, NL** | Container feeder | 6 |
| **Houston, US** | Bulk carrier (Grain) | 4 |
| **Port of Santos** | Ro‑Ro & feeder | 8 |
| **Buenos Aires, AR** | General cargo | 5 |
| **Cairo, EG (via Suez)** | Container | 2 |
These routes are underpinned by **regular liner services** operated by major carriers such as Maersk, MSC, and Hamburg Süd, as well as **charter vessels** for bulk commodities.
### Dominant Cargo Types
- **Grains (Soy, Corn, Cassava):** 55 % of total tonnage, processed through the high‑capacity grain elevators and exported mainly to Europe and Asia.
- **Containerized manufactured goods:** 25 % of cargo, comprising electronics, textiles, and automotive parts imported from Asia and the United States.
- **Project cargo:** 10 % – includes wind turbine blades, heavy machinery, and construction modules for the Northeast Brazil infrastructure initiatives.
- **Liquid fuels & chemicals:** 7 % – handled at the on‑site tank farm, serving regional distribution networks.
- **Perishables (Fruit, Seafood):** 3 % – moved through temperature‑controlled warehouses and refrigerated containers (reefers).
### Emerging Trends
1. **Renewable Energy Supply Chain:** With the accelerated deployment of on‑shore wind farms in Paraíba, Vila do Conde is becoming a preferred entry point for turbine components, prompting the construction of a dedicated heavy‑lift berth (2025–2027).
2. **Digital Trade Facilitation:** The integration of blockchain‑based **Bill of Lading** solutions is reducing document‑processing time by 30 %, positioning the port as a model for “smart ports” in Latin America.
3. **Sustainable Operations:** CNVC has committed to achieving **ISO 14001** certification by 2028, introducing shore‑side electricity (cold ironing) for docked vessels to cut emissions.
---
*In summary, the Port of Vila do Conde (BRVIC) is a strategically located, well‑equipped maritime hub that underpins the economic vitality of Paraíba and contributes significantly to Brazil’s diversified export portfolio. Its continued modernization, coupled with robust trade connections and a focus on sustainability, ensures its relevance in the evolving landscape of global maritime logistics.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
BRVIC
Country
Brazil
Province / Region
Paraíba
Latitude
-7.270000
Longitude
-34.900000
Timezone
America/Fortaleza
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Vila do Conde?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Vila do Conde is BRVIC.
Where is Port of Vila do Conde located?
The Port of Vila do Conde is located in Brazil, Paraíba. Its coordinates are -7.2700°N, -34.9000°E.
What time zone is Port of Vila do Conde in?
Port of Vila do Conde 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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