The Argentinean Port of Barranqueras believes that the recent export of three containers filled with charcoal is a highly significant move. The three 20-tonne boxes went to the Italian cities of Sardinia and Naples, and to Valencia, in Spain.
According to local officials, the move represents a “paradigm shift” and justified the need for appropriate infrastructure to be available. The port has recently acquired a state-of-the-art container scanner, allowing it to reactivate exports and improve cargo consolidation. This technology will also be used to check cotton fibre shipments, further expanding the port's logistics opportunities.
However, the need to bring forward dredging work in Barranqueras Creek has also been highlighted, if the port is to further benefit from international trade opportunities. The surrounding Chaco province is already a leader in exports, having registered growth of 30% growth in 2024. Italy is a key market, with imports of Chaco products worth almost $11 million.
The port also wants to attract more coal exports, which were previously in decline. This occurred because HGVs had to go to Sáenz Peña, unload their coal shipments, then bizarrely reload them for inspections. This process has been subsequently streamlined.
In reference to charcoal exports, the latest three shipments are a pilot project by the exporter, and represent considerable consolidation of batches. The intention is to do more of this, progressively increasing the volume of cargo sent to Europe.
Indeed, the port is deliberatively trying to attract even more small producers, whereas previously exports were restricted to just five companies.
"Our challenge is to show that the port has the necessary equipment and logistics [in place] so that HGVs can arrive, unload, and load containers," said the port.