Global Insight

Navigating Brazil to Jebel Ali: Avoid Demurrage, Maximize Profit in Sugar Trade

Moving ICUMSA 45 sugar from Brazil to the Middle East isn’t just about putting cargo on a vessel—it’s about orchestrating a high-stakes operation where timing, routing, and planning define your margins.

At volumes of 50,000 to 100,000 metric tons, the smallest miscalculation in logistics can lead to six-figure losses. And while Jebel Ali Port is one of the most advanced in the region, it’s not immune to delays—especially during peak congestion.

 

  1. The Route: Brazil to the UAE by Sea. The sailing distance from Santos or Paranaguá to Jebel Ali spans 6,500–6,700 nautical miles, depending on seasonal currents and routing choices

  2. Transit Time Estimates:

    • Handymax (≈50,000 MT) at 11–12 knots: 23–26 days
    • Panamax (≈100,000 MT) at 12.5–13.5 knots: 20–24 days

    The usual route passes through the Suez Canal, unless rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope due to geopolitical risks or toll considerations.

  3. Jebel Ali Congestion: Hidden Costs That Erode Margins Despite its world-class facilities, Jebel Ali can be a bottleneck when poorly planned:

    • Anchorage Wait Times: 2.7–3.8 days (average)
    • Worst-case Delays: Up to 7 days
    • Daily Demurrage: USD 25,000–35,000
    • Total Exposure: As high as USD 150,000 per vessel

  4. Five Tactical Moves to Protect Your Bottom Line

    • Pre-book Berth Windows
      Confirm slots 10–14 days in advance with DP World or through trusted agents.
    • Leverage Live Port Data
      Use AIS tools (MarineTraffic, PortXchange) to dynamically adjust ETAs and avoid bottlenecks.
    • Choose Ships Strategically
      Vessels with drafts ≤14m have better berth allocation flexibility.
    • Keep UAE Options Open
      Consider alternate ports like Mina Al Hamriya, Port Khalifa, or Khor Fakkan when Jebel Ali is over capacity.
    • Bulletproof Your SPA

Final Word: In Commodities, Logistics Isn’t a Detail—It’s the Deal

When you’re shipping sugar from Brazil to the Gulf, success isn’t defined at the loading dock—it’s determined by the choices made before the vessel ever sails.

Predict. Optimize. Execute with precision.

 

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