June 26, 2013 How Has Triunfo Triumphed?

Volume 16 | Issue 5

Look to the Port of Rio de Janeiro. This logistics engineering company invests heavily in infrastructure and services in a bid to become the

Triunfo Logistica is currently Brazil’s largest private support base for off-shore platforms and a specialist in maritime logistics solutions.

Services include repair and maintenance support for the oil and gas industry, cargo loading, storage for containers held by Brazilian customs and border protection and loading and unloading of steelwork cargo.

Recognized for its vanguard approach to port services in a rapidly evolving industry, Triunfo is investing in providing the support and services that Brazil needs.

Commercial Director Alexandre Lima clarifies: “We are applying our knowhow of port administration to improve maritime logistics – not inventing new technology but pairing modern methods with experience.”

Times Change
Trinufo’s experience began in 1985, when the company loaded rations, spare parts, consumer goods and equipment onto ships in the port of Rio de Janeiro.

Observing the changes that were occurring in the volatile economy, Triunfo’s partners quickly adapted their management strategies, concentrating on providing a fast and efficient service. The changes were a success: by the 1990s, Triunfo had the largest fleet of forklift trucks in Brazil.

The adaptations brought changes to the company name, which always maintained ‘Triunfo’ in its title. It was a brand that was gaining momentum, expanding its infrastructure and breaking into new markets.

In 1993 the Brazilian government promulgated a law for the modernization of the country’s ports in an effort to recuperate economic growth. The law meant further changes for Triunfo, which negotiated port handling agreements with major steel companies.

The adaptations caused by the significant developments in the sector, including the privatization of Brazil’s major steel producers (Triunfo’s clients), pushed the company’s directors to a more strategic approach. Short and long term plans were established to distinguish Triunfo’s services and results.

“This is the entrepreneurial and flexible attitude that characterizes our company. We have always aimed to promote a corporate culture that embraces new business,” Lima says.

In 2002 Triunfo embarked on a new stage in terms of logistic services. The rise of Brazil’s oil and gas industry increased demand for support for deepwater petroleum platforms. Already ideally located, Triunfo also had the experience and access to the technology required. At the same time, the company developed its handling of special cargos to attend the range of industries it serves today.

Handling Diversity
Today, Triunfo is a specialist in developing engineered logistics solutions with a qualified staff of 850. Its 60,000-squaremeter facility in Caju, next to Rio de Janeiro’s port possesses the necessary infrastructure for its diverse cargos and projects. It is also directly accessible by vehicle, train and large cargo ships.

Lima elaborates: “Making sure we have the equipment and the means to handle all types of cargo is a permanent concern. We offer a service and administering the best technology and applying it the right cargo, guarantees the best for our clients.”

The Triunfo terminal is licensed by customs authorities, port officials and the State Environmental Agency (INEA) to be a support and repair station for oil and gas vessels and platforms.

The facility has the capacity to receive an oil platform for maintenance and moor it in its docks until repaired and ready for delivery. Planning and scheduling with port authorities and customs regulations and pilots, tugs and mooring teams are included in Triunfo’s service.

For shipping needs Triunfo has an associated company, N&N Navegação, which has specialized cargo vessels for off-shore support.

Petrobras, COMPERJ, General Electrics, Vale, CONFAB, MODEC, and Hyundai are just some of the many clients who quite literally place their goods in the hands of Triunfo, thanks to its efficient handling and storage solutions.

“We are permanently investing in new equipment for loading, unloading and moving cargo,” Lima says. He refers to Triunfo’s cranes, forklift trucks, loading bridges, platforms, elevators and support vehicles that provide complete handling infrastructure. Recent investments in 15 new cranes from German manufacturer Liebherr total $100 million.

Growth Based on Strategic Vision
Triunfo’s flexibility and commitment to each sector it serves translates into healthy growth. “Our annual revenue has increased from $35 million in 2009 to $125 million in 2012,” Lima affirms. He attributes the results to determination, investment and skilled professionals: “Our growth has been organic, but based on the company’s strategic vision.”

Lima cites Triunfo’s service as its main differential: “The solutions we provide involve technological and legal aspects that are idealized by a team of professionals specialized in the development of innovative operational strategies. We combine knowledge of naval engineering and mechanics with creativity and responsibility.”

The company’s Rio de Janeiro docks, which serve over 300 vessels a month and offer some of the industry’s most modern and efficient technology, also provide a sound basis for growth.

Since 2009, Triunfo has been looking to Brazil’s growing oil and gas industry and focusing operations accordingly. In the future, the company intends to continue this success. “Brazil’s ports have problems with infrastructure and we are working to remedy that,” Lima relates.

At the end of 2012, Triunfo confirmed plans to invest $120 million in platform repairs before 2017. The agreement marks the shift of focus to the development of the oil and gas sector.

In 2013 Triunfo has also closed a partnership with Port of Forno in Arraial do Cabo, 145 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro, where work is underway to improve oil platforms in the Campos and Santos basins.

“Between 40 and 50 percent of our business is for the oil and gas industry, and we see considerable growth in the future,” Lima confirms.

As the Brazilian oil industry increases, the largest base for off-shore support looks to expand further in the sector. With over 300 percent growth in the last four years, Triunfo is moving in the right direction.

Subscribe to Industry Today