Brazil – Fire at Suzano Terminal, Itaqui Port

29 January 2015

The Club has just received news of a fire that broke out earlier today at Suzano’s premises in Itaqui Port. Brazmar Marine Services Ltda, a correspondent in São Luis, reports that:-

“… the fire occurred in the premises of Messrs Suzano, one of the biggest cellulose exporters in the region. Although not yet confirmed, we understand that the Terminal's grain loading conveyor belt system has also been affected. No victims have been reported to date but the physical damage appears extensive. As a result of the incident, it is reasonable to foresee considerable delays to the loading / discharge operations.

The Terminal is currently not operating pending further instructions from the local authorities.”

Whilst the extent of the fire and resulting damage is not yet known, Members whose vessels are at or en route to load cargo from Suzano’s Terminal/Itaqui, or are ordered to do so in the future under existing charterparty arrangements, should be aware that there may be some delays. In the meantime, Members considering fixing a voyage to Itaqui may wish to give the above due consideration when negotiating contract terms.