Background
Seaport has been active in analyzing international agricultural commodity movements for a variety of clients almost since its formation in 1994. In this case, we examined various deep-sea and riverine grain terminals worldwide as part of an international multidisciplinary team working on behalf of a potential investor.
Grain and oilseed exports and imports, port conditions, ocean shipping, rail, road, and riverine transport systems were assessed in various locations worldwide, including:
- United States
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Germany
- Romania
- Ukraine
Assessment
The overall assessments were multifaceted and included forecasts of grain and oilseed trade flows for each of the above nations to 2025. Seaport also considered present and likely future regulatory conditions that could promote or inhibit trade of currently handled commodities.
Another primary study area was modal competition, especially among barge and rail services in the US, ocean shipping and rail between the US and Mexico, rail, truck, and barge to Argentine and Brazilian ocean ports, and truck, rail, and river barge to European grain ports.
Results
The study contributed to an overall assessment of the attractiveness of the various terminals for a prospective investment group.
