Suzano Selects Avondale Global Gateway in Louisiana for Imports of Pulp

April 30, 2026 - Avondale Global Gateway (AGG) and Suzano today announced a five-year terminal services agreement that will bring regular wood pulp imports back to Louisiana for the first time in more than 30 years.

Under the agreement, AGG will serve as one of Suzano’s terminals in the Central Gulf Coast for their wood pulp shipments arriving from Brazil, to be distributed across North America by rail. The first vessel is scheduled to arrive at AGG in the first week of May this year.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for both Louisiana and Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier and one of Brazil’s biggest exporters which has been present in the American market for over 40 years. Suzano’s decision also aligns with its continued expansion in the region, including its 2024 acquisition of mills in Arkansas and North Carolina from Pactiv Evergreen.

As part of its North American growth strategy, Suzano selected Avondale following a two-year evaluation process focused on logistics efficiency, infrastructure, and long-term scalability. The Avondale operation will support this strategy by creating a more centralized and efficient logistics footprint on the Gulf Coast.

“An efficient and resilient supply chain is essential to our business, and Avondale offers the combination of river access, rail connectivity, port infrastructure, and operational flexibility we were looking for,” said Juliana Vizintim, Operations Executive Manager at Suzano. “This partnership strengthens our Gulf Coast logistics platform and enhances supply assurance and efficiency for our customers across North America.”

To support the new operation, AGG has completed major upgrades to 245,000 square feet of warehouse space, including new concrete flooring, five additional loading doors, loading platforms, overhead awnings, and a laser fire detection and suppression system. These improvements were made specifically to meet Suzano’s operational requirements.

In parallel, a $13 million rail expansion is underway at Avondale, funded in part through Louisiana Economic Development’s FastSites program.

Together with other site improvements, total investment tied to the Suzano operation is expected to exceed $20 million over time.

“Bringing wood pulp back to Louisiana is a major milestone,” said Adam Anderson, Chairman and CEO of T. Parker Host, parent company of Avondale Global Gateway. “This is new activity for the state, new jobs, and meaningful investment at Avondale. It reflects the kind of long-term industrial growth we believed this site could support and shows what’s possible when the right partner, infrastructure, and location come together.”

Rail service will play a central role in the operation, allowing cargo to move efficiently from vessel to warehouse to inland destinations across the United States. AGG worked closely with Union Pacific to align infrastructure and service capacity ahead of launch.

Since T. Parker Host acquired the former Avondale Shipyard in 2018, the 275-acre site has been steadily redeveloped into a multimodal logistics hub.

About Avondale Global Gateway

Avondale Global Gateway is a multimodal logistics and terminal facility located on the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Operated by T. Parker Host, the site offers deepwater dock access, large-scale warehousing, and Class I rail connectivity, supporting bulk and breakbulk cargo flows across North America.

SOURCE: Hawthorne Advisors for Suzano

CMPC and Neltume Ports Form JV to Build Port Terminal in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Jan. 22, 2026 - CMPC Celulose and Neltume Ports have joined forces to form the joint venture Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S/A, with the objective of establishing a terminal dedicated to general cargo handling, focusing on cellulose, in the Port of Rio Grande do Sul.

Early in December, Terminal Rio Grande do Sul obtained, from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ), after a public consultation, recognition of the viability for entering into an Adhesion Contract. This instrument enables the construction and operation of a Private Use Terminal (TUP) in the municipality of Rio Grande, to be signed between the Ministry of Ports and Airports, as the Granting Authority, and the company.

On Dec. 19, the Adhesion Contract was signed between the National Secretariat of Ports, the Ministry of Ports and Airports, ANTAQ, and Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S/A, granting the company the right to implement and operate its port facilities.

The project foresees the construction of two berths for ships, two berths for barges, and a warehouse with a static capacity of 194,000 tons of pulp, significantly expanding the logistical capacity of the Port of Rio Grande.

Estimated investments total R$ 1.5 billion. During the implementation phase, it is expected to generate more than 1,200 jobs. In the operational phase, the terminal should create approximately 450 direct jobs and more than 2,100 indirect jobs, including casual workers and truck drivers.

The project also includes a transfer of R$ 142.7 million to Portos RS, specifically for the dredging of the Access Channel and the Turning Basin of the New Port, benefiting all cargo handled in this port area.

The next steps include the Transfer of Use of the land, currently being processed by the Superintendence of Federal Assets (SPU). Next, a public hearing is planned, as well as obtaining the Preliminary License and the Installation License from FEPAM/RS.

SOURCE: Portos RS

Portos RS is a public company responsible for organizing, managing, and overseeing the entire waterway port system of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This system includes the public ports of Rio Grande, Pelotas, and Porto Alegre, as well as 17 privately operated terminals. It comprises over 754 km of navigable waterways with ample capacity to accommodate new industrial complexes.

JAXPORT Puts Two New Container Cranes into Service; Third Crane Begins Commissioning

Jan. 12, 2026 - Two new 50-gauge ship-to-shore container cranes moved their first containers recently after entering service at the Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT) Blount Island Marine Terminal, expanding cargo-handling capabilities at Florida’s largest container port.

With a lift height of 115 feet, the new cranes are some of the largest 50-gauge cranes currently available on the market. The cranes are designed to serve wider vessels and can reach up to 19 containers across a ship’s deck. Additional features include the ability to move an average of 33 containers per hour and a lift capacity of up to 65 long tons, with heavy-lift capability of up to 75 long tons for oversized, non-containerized cargo.

A third new 50-gauge crane arrived at JAXPORT in early December and is currently being commissioned at the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal, where it will be operational in mid-2026. This crane features a 100-foot lift height and can reach across 17 containers wide.

The three cranes were purchased as part of a multi-year, $93 million initiative to modernize JAXPORT’s crane fleet, including $53 million in state funding over the past two years for crane purchases and upgrades.

“As cargo volumes grow, it’s essential that we continue investing in the equipment needed to serve our customers efficiently,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We appreciate our partnerships with Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Florida Department of Transportation in helping position JAXPORT for future growth that supports jobs and commerce across the region and state.”

The cranes feature regenerative power systems, which consume energy during container lifts and capture electricity when lowering them—enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

Located in the heart of the Southeast U.S., JAXPORT is Florida’s No. 1 container port by volume and one of the nation’s top vehicle-handling ports. JAXPORT offers fast and efficient vessel operations with a 47-foot deepwater shipping channel, two-way ship traffic, and same-day access to 98 million U.S. consumers.

SOURCE: Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT)

Exclusive Early Registration for IFPTA Members Opens January 23 for FPTS 2026

Jan. 21, 2026 - The Forest Products Transport Symposium (FPTS 2026) is gearing up for an exceptional inaugural event, bringing together leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the forest products transportation sector. We are excited to be hosting the symposium at the Grand Golf Resort & Spa, in Point Clear, Alabama (USA) in partnership with the Port of Mobile. This symposium will deliver expanded programming, enhanced networking opportunities as well as both a pickleball and golf tournament.

In advance of the general public, IFPTA members will receive exclusive early access to register on Friday, January 23, 2026.

This early-access window allows members to secure their symposium participation, take advantage of the Super Early Bird pricing available through March 1, 2026, and register for limited-capacity events before they sell out. With growing demand and limited availability, early registration is strongly recommended.

Link to symposium website: cvent.me/yN4eqw

High-Demand Special Events & Sponsorships

FPTS 2026 features two signature events that are sure to attract strong interest:

• Pickleball Tournament – A fun and fast-growing networking event. Player spots are limited to 32 and expected to fill quickly.
• Golf Sponsorships – A premier networking opportunity with limited sponsorship opportunities available.

These events are available on a first come, first served basis and are anticipated to reach capacity quickly during the early registration period. IFPTA members are encouraged to register promptly.

Hotel Accommodations

A dedicated block of hotel rooms has been reserved for #FPTS2026 attendees at the special conference rate. Our exclusive discounted conference rate for our delegates starts at $285.00USD/night plus taxes and resort fees. Rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis, and once the block reaches capacity, additional availability and preferred rates cannot be guaranteed. Members are encouraged to book accommodations immediately after completing their registration following the links provided in the registration process.

Why Register Early?

Early registration ensures attendees receive the best pricing, the widest selection of event options, and priority access to sponsorship opportunities.

What’s Next?

IFPTA members will receive a direct email on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, with the official registration link. Please have your IFPTA Membership Number handy, as this is required to secure the discounted member pricing.

General registration for all attendees will open on Monday, January 26th, 2026.

FPTS 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most valuable gatherings for professionals across our industry. IFPTA members are encouraged to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity and secure their participation as soon as registration opens.