Wilson Sons, Brazil’s largest port and maritime logistics operator, received MSC Orion at the Salvador Container Terminal on 24 July.
This 366-meter-long ship, with a 16-meter draft and a capacity of 15,000 containers, is the first of its class to operate in Baía de Todos-os-Santos in Brazil.
In 2018, the Port of Salvador became the second port in Brazil to receive authorization from the Bahia Port Authority to handle ships up to 366 meters, anticipating global shipping trends that demanded greater operational efficiency from Brazilian terminals.
Since 2000, Wilson Sons has invested over US$177 million in the terminal, culminating in recent pier expansion works, increasing the draft depth to 16 meters, expanding cargo storage areas, incorporating new technologies, acquiring modern electrical machinery, and training operational teams.
The MSC Orion’s arrival inaugurates a new regular route from Bahia to Asia, handling 700 containers on its first voyage. This direct route, which began this month with weekly departures, strengthens ties with China and Far East markets.
In addition, this new shipping route will enhance connectivity between the North and Northeast of Brazil and Asia, while also providing solutions to logistical bottlenecks affecting the Midwest and Southeast.
Moreover, key export segments that will benefit from this direct line include cotton from Bahia, meat, fruit, paper pulp, chemicals, and petrochemicals. Import sectors such as renewable energy, chemicals, petrochemicals, the automotive industry, fertilizers, and electronics will also see increased competitiveness.
