SISTER ports in Brazil have reached a deal with environmental agency IBAMA to allow them a further 30 days to submit compliance papers, IHS Global Insight reported today.

The failure of Paranaguá and Antonina to meet earlier deadlines for submission of documents required for environmental impact assessments and an emergency accident plan prompted IBAMA to order the closure of the two ports in early July, according to an Agência Brasil report cited by IHS Global Insight.

The port authority secured a court injunction, which lifted the suspension the day after it was imposed, but it remained vulnerable to renewed closure attempts, IHS Global Insight predicted. The accord reached this week should pave the way to full compliance, IHS Global Insight said. Paranaguá Port is the country's second-largest and the main exit point for grain exports. Its earlier closure affected 84 ships.