Brazil unveils $4.1bn port concession programme and $858m infrastructure financing

Brazil is preparing a major expansion of private investment in its ports, outlining a $4.1bn concession programme alongside new infrastructure financing opportunities and proposed regulatory changes designed to accelerate terminal development.

The Ministry of Ports and Airports plans to auction 34 port concessions between 2027 and 2030, representing an estimated R$20.6bn ($4.1bn) in private investment.

Among the largest projects is the Santos 10 container terminal, with estimated investment of $1.29bn. Other major developments include the SSB01 terminal at São Sebastião, valued at approximately $769m, and the ITJ01 project at Itajaí, with projected investment of $533m.

The largest is the Terminal Mar Azul project at São Francisco do Sul, in Santa Catarina, with planned investment of approximately $381m in facilities for steel products and fertilisers.

Another $252m has been earmarked for the concession covering the access channel to the Port of Paranaguá, while Hanseatic Global Terminals’ proposed container and general cargo terminal at Aracruz accounts for approximately $224m.

The financing decisions allow the projects to advance to assessment by participating financial institutions. They do not represent final loan approvals or committed expenditure.

Alongside the investment pipeline, the government is seeking to make existing port concessions more flexible.

A public consultation has been opened on proposed amendments to regulations governing port terminal leases, including changes that could make it easier for operators to expand facilities, replace equipment and undertake new investments.

One proposal would review restrictions on extending concession periods to compensate operators for additional investment. Another would allow certain infrastructure works to begin before financial rebalancing assessments are completed, provided operators accept the associated risks.

The ministry is also considering simpler procedures for changing permitted cargo types, investing in shared port infrastructure and approving engineering projects.

The measures are part of a renewed push to attract private capital into Brazil’s maritime infrastructure.

Source: Splash Ports