Coastal Shipping: 5.7 million tons handled in Southern Brazil

Sector growth follows the consolidation of public policies aimed at coastal shipping, says MPor (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

Coastal shipping (domestic navigation between ports in Brazil) in the Southern Region of the country handled 5.7 million tons in the first two months of this year, according to data released by Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (Antaq). The state of Santa Catarina led the volume in the period, with 3.42 million tons. Rio Grande do Sul came next, with 1.71 million tons, followed by Paraná, which recorded 604 thousand tons transported.

According to a survey conducted by Ministério de Portos e Aeroportos (MPor), oil and petroleum products were among the main types of cargo in the period, totaling more than 3.4 million tons transported, including crude oil. Containerized cargo also had a significant share, with 1.65 million tons, followed by the iron and steel segment, with 407 thousand tons.

“Coastal shipping increases efficiency in cargo transportation, reduces logistics costs, eases pressure on highways, and strengthens the country’s infrastructure. This translates into direct benefits for the population, with a more balanced supply, greater economic competitiveness, and a safer and more sustainable logistics system”, said the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca.

Incentives

The sector’s growth follows the consolidation of public policies aimed at strengthening coastal navigation, with emphasis on the Programa BR do Mar, which seeks to expand transport supply, encourage competition, and increase logistics efficiency in the country.

According to the National Secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Otto Luiz Burlier, the performance is directly linked to this agenda. “The public policy to encourage coastal shipping focuses on expanding the fleet, increasing competitiveness, and ensuring greater regulatory predictability. BR do Mar creates a safer environment for investments and expands the use of domestic maritime transport”, he stated.

Last Tuesday (21), A Tribuna published a report showing that coastal shipping in Southeastern Brazil recorded strong growth in the first two months of this year, reaching 27.1 million tons handled and an increase of 19.06% compared to the same period in 2025. This performance consolidates the region as the main hub of coastal navigation in the country, driven primarily by the transportation of oil and petroleum products.