The Salzburg-based company Palfinger Marine is participating in a major project in Brazil that aims to make the transportation of minerals by water more efficient.
The cranes on board push boats will support Brazil’s strategy to revitalize its shipbuilding industry. With this order, Palfinger Marine further expands its presence as a strategic partner to the maritime industry in Latin America and addresses regional needs.
Palfinger to supply eight cranes for inland vessels
The company will supply eight PS 15500M Stiff Boom cranes for four inland vessels to the Brazilian shipyard Estaleiro Rio Maguari (ERM). This will contribute to the optimization of inland navigation in Latin America (LATAM) along the Paraguay-Paraná waterway. The cooperation between Palfinger Marine and ERM is part of a major project to promote inland waterway transportation, led by LHG Logística – the logistics arm of the Brazilian mining company LHG Mining. The project involves the construction of 400 transport barges and 15 push boats to improve the transportation of iron ore.
In future, these ships will travel 2,500 km by water to Uruguay, where the minerals will be transferred to ocean-going vessels. The project design for the push tug was created by the Canadian company Robert Allan, a world leader in ship design, according to Palfinger. The Palfinger Marine cranes on board the push boats will be used to facilitate work processes, maintenance work and cargo movements on deck. The first cranes will be delivered from early summer this year and will be completed in early 2026.
Comprehensive cooperation
“This project is a continuation of our partnership with ERM, who have already contracted us as a supplier for similar undertakings in recent years,” said Ramiro de Queiroz Martins Silva, Sales Manager Americas at Palfinger Marine. “In this case, we are making a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency of Brazilian mining logistics.”
The company’s expansion in Latin America is not only about increasing its market presence, but also about addressing the regional demand for advanced maritime solutions. “The Latam market is unique due to its extensive inland waterways, the strategic importance of coastal shipping and its continental maritime coverage,” continues de Queiroz Martins Silva.
Brazil’s government focuses on sustainable logistics
Brazil’s maritime industry is currently experiencing significant growth, driven by strategic developments in coastal transportation and offshore energy projects. The national government is aiming to improve regional competitiveness in global commodity markets by utilizing the country’s vast coastline for sustainable logistics.
As part of this strategy, the focus is on revitalizing the local shipping industry to take advantage of the cost benefits of waterways as transportation routes. With this project, Palfinger Marine is expanding its presence in Latin America and positioning itself as a manufacturer and supplier of essential maritime infrastructure that enables increased efficiency and sustainability in logistics.
