- Santa Clara Container Terminal, operated by Wilson Sons in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has reduced over 32,000 tons of carbon emissions since its inception by using inland waterway transport.
- Wilson Sons’ validated study shows a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from river transport compared to road alternatives.
- Wilson Sons, a key logistics operator, uses a methodology aligned with the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Program, endorsed by SGS, to monitor and verify emission reductions.
- The Santa Clara terminal supports sustainable practices, offering efficient, safe, and lower-cost transport options that align with clients’ sustainability goals and the UN Global Compact objectives.
- Expansion in operational capacity and commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) actions contribute to Santa Clara’s recognition as one of Brazil’s top logistics facilities.
Wilson Sons, a leading port and maritime logistics operator in Brazil, has achieved a remarkable environmental milestone at its Santa Clara Container Terminal in Rio Grande do Sul. Using an emission calculation method validated by SGS, Wilson Sons found that inland navigation produces 55% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to road transport on the Santa Clara to Rio Grande route. This achievement aligns with Wilson Sons’ commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and supports the decarbonization of Brazil’s logistics industry.
Environmental Benefits of River vs. Road Transport
The Wilson Sons study reveals significant environmental advantages of river transport over road transport. While transporting containers on the road generates 0.196 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions per TEU, river transport produces half this amount. Calculations are based on an average barge occupancy rate of 90%, showing the efficiency of inland navigation in reducing carbon emissions.
Wilson Sons’ Broader Sustainability Initiatives
Since 2009, Wilson Sons has adhered to the UN Global Compact’s sustainability goals, working to decarbonize the maritime logistics sector. This aligns with the terminal’s efforts to support clients’ sustainability objectives by providing a cleaner transport option, positively impacting the entire logistics chain.
Santa Clara’s Role in Brazil’s Logistics Network
Environmental and Safety Manager Cleiton Lages and CEO Paulo Bertinetti recognize Santa Clara as a key player in diversifying Brazil’s logistics network. Inland navigation offers a safer, cleaner, and lower-cost logistics alternative, reducing cargo transport risks and aligning with decarbonization targets.
SGS Validation and Industry Recognition
Gustavo Venda, Business Development Manager at SGS in Brazil, emphasizes the importance of validated data in sustainable practices. The Santa Clara terminal has become a benchmark for credible, third-party-verified environmental performance in the logistics industry.
Capacity Expansion at Santa Clara
Starting with a single barge in 2016, the terminal expanded in 2018 with an additional vessel and recently added the Guaíba barge, with a 160-TEU capacity, increasing operational capacity by 33%. The terminal now offers four weekly services, enhancing transport efficiency and service frequency.
Products and Operational Excellence
Santa Clara Container Terminal transports a variety of goods, including resins, timber, frozen chicken, rubber, and household items. Its reputation for operational excellence was cemented with recognition from Brazil’s Ministry of Infrastructure as one of the country’s best private container handling terminals.
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Source: Wilson Sons
