O DILEMA LOGÍSTICO-AMBIENTAL DO AGRONEGÓCIO SUL-MATO-GROSSENSE: Análise comparativa da pegada de carbono na exportação de grãos pelas rotas do Atlântico e Bioceânica.

Abstract

The dynamics of international trade in agricultural commodities impose constant logistical and environmental challenges on agribusiness in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The traditional reliance on grain export through the Atlantic Ocean, via the Port of Santos (SP), generates high transit times and environmental liabilities. In this context, the Bioceanic Route (Capricorn Route) emerges as a new strategic logistical axis, connecting the Brazilian Midwest to northern Chilean ports to shorten the maritime distance to the Asian market. The present study aimed to calculate and compare the carbon footprint of exporting one ton of grains (soybeans/corn) under two scenarios: the Atlantic Route and the Bioceanic Route, evaluating the trade-off between logistical and environmental efficiency. The methodology was based on a simplified quantitative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), using routing parameters from the SeaRates platform and emission factors from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program and maritime carriers. The results reveal an important operational trade-off in the current scenario: although the Bioceanic Route shortens the geographical distance by 491 km, current port connectivity constraints in Chile increase the actual transit time to an average of 60 total days, compared to the 39 days observed in the traditional route via Santos. Regarding the environmental aspect, the carbon footprint registers an increase of 48.23% (jumping from 186.162 kgCO2e/t to 275.953 kgCO2e/t), driven by the longer extension of the continental road section. It is concluded that, under the current transport matrix based on diesel trucks, the physical shortcut imposes a serious environmental setback, making the integration of the railway mode an obligation for the state to achieve the Carbon Neutral 2030 goal.