Brazil’s port sector has witnessed a significant investment influx, notably through six contracts totaling US$1.71 billion.
These contracts, non-negotiable by the supplier, pertain to the authorization of new port facilities across various states, including Rio Grande do Norte, Pará, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Eight additional clauses have been signed with ports in states like Maranhão, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Amazonas, amassing a total investment of US$131.1 million.
The port area reported robust growth in the initial five months of the year compared to the same period last year.
According to a report from the National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ), this growth was around 4.4%, pointing towards a positive trend in the industry.
Brazilian ports handled a total cargo volume of 495.8 million tons during this period.
Additionally, reductions in the tariffs at ports such as Santos, PortosRio (RJ), Ilhéus (BA), and Rio Grande (RS) have been implemented, with the aim to enhance competitiveness and commodity flow through these ports.
A priority project announced by the Federal Government is the submerged Santos-Guarujá tunnel, planned to commence construction in 2024.
With an approximate length of 1.7 kilometers, this tunnel is projected to benefit around 70,000 people and significantly enhance connectivity in the region.
Investment in waterways is also ongoing.
The National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) reported that funds amounting to $36.93 million have been allocated for waterways.
In the initial five months of the year, cargo flow on vessels navigating the rivers grew by 6.5%, reaching 51.2 million tons.
Moreover, nearly US$10.43 million have been assigned for dredging works in strategic rivers, emphasizing the completion of Madeira river dredging with an investment of US$9.51 million.
Furthermore, the demolition of a stretch of the Nova Avanhandava canal on the Tiete River, Sao Paulo, has resumed, which is crucial for navigation and cargo transport.
Government funding of US$20.58 million is anticipated for this project.