Major Fire Halts Sugar Loading Operations At Brazil’s Largest Port, Santos

A major fire at Tiplam Terminal in Santos, Brazil’s largest port, has significantly disrupted sugar loading operations.

The fire broke out on June 20, 2024 (Thursday night), destroying a conveyor belt and electrical systems, leading to the suspension of sugar loading at piers 2 and 3.

The fire was controlled by Friday morning on June 21, 2024, and no injuries were reported.

However, the destruction of the conveyor belt has halted loading operations at the impacted berths, according to a statement from VLI, the terminal’s operator.

In addition to suspending sugar-loading operations, damage to the terminal’s electrical infrastructure has prompted VLI to halt the unloading of trains carrying sugar and other products.

VLI has not provided an estimated time for when the terminal operations will resume.

The company’s press representatives were asked to further comment on the incident.

According to the shipping firm Williams’ lineup statistics, Tiplam was planned to load 800,000 metric tons of sugar on 13 vessels during the following two weeks.

Most of these cargoes were bound for China, with Wilmer being the most active shipper at the terminal during this period.

Half of the operations at the Tiplam Terminal are a major disturbance, given the volume of sugar exports scheduled and the importance of Santos Port in Brazil’s export infrastructure.

Reference: Reuters