Cargo exchanges between Brazil and Antwerp top 6.4 Mtpa at present, making Brazil the port's 6th largest trading partner.

The Port of Açu, located in the industrial heart of Brazil, is an industrial deep sea port handling of oil, gas, dry bulk, containers and general cargo, and also serves as a support centre for the Brazilian offshore sector due to its location to the Campos basin.

The port has a surface of 130 km² of which 40 km² is natural reserve. According to PAI, it has potential to operate 17 kms of dock with a maximum depth of 25m and has the capacity to receive very large vessels such as Capesizes and VLCCs.

The new initiative provides an opportunity for PAI to help develop the port, while enhancing the position of Antwerp in Latin America as a preferential port for the continent.

For this investment PAI will receive 1.176% of the share capital, with an option to invest additionally after 18 months at its sole discretion. PAI will also appoint one member of the Board of Directors and four port managers and will also provide consultancy services.

The Port of Açu Industrial Complex is a port developed and controlled by the Brazilian Bovespa-listed company Prumo Logística, which in turn is controlled by US Based EIG, a leading provider of institutional capital to the global energy industry.

• The Port of Antwerp has issued an RFP to tackle road freight congestion and achieve more modal shift of port-related road traffic to barge and/or rail. Road connectivity is an inherent problem for the port because of the city's "ring road" network and rising throughput. Things could become critical as some major local roadworks are planned for the near future in and around the port. Interested parties can consult the port's website. The deadline for project proposals is 11th August.