Merchant Marine Fund approves R$ 5.1 billion for port projects

Among the approved projects is the modernization of terminals 16 and 17 at Porto de Santos, linked to the lease contract of operator CLI Sul (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

Nine projects aimed at expanding and modernizing Brazilian ports were approved by the Ministério de Portos e Aeroportos (MPor), through the Board of Directors of the Fundo da Marinha Mercante (CDFMM). The total amount is R\$ 5.1 billion.

The initiatives have the potential to generate 5,346 direct jobs and increase the operational capacity of ports, strengthening the national logistics infrastructure. The approval took place during the 12th Extraordinary Meeting held last Thursday.

Among the approved projects is the modernization of terminals 16 and 17 at Porto de Santos, linked to the lease agreement of operator CLI Sul, with an investment of R\$ 678.2 million.

The executive secretary of the Ministério de Portos e Aeroportos and president of the Board of Directors of the Fundo da Marinha Mercante (CDFMM), Tomé Franca, highlighted the strategic importance of the approval. “We are talking about job and income generation and strengthening the economy in the regions served. The Fund plays a strategic role by supporting projects that expand the country’s logistics capacity,” he said.

For the national secretary of Waterways and Navigation and alternate member of the CDFMM, Otto Luiz Burlier, the resources will have a major regional impact. “By improving port infrastructure, we open space for new businesses and more opportunities for the population. Investing in logistics is investing in regional development,” Burlier said.

The national secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, emphasized the structural nature of the decision. “The approval of these nine projects by the Board of Directors of the Fundo da Marinha Mercante represents a structural step toward the modernization of Brazilian port infrastructure. We are talking about R\$ 5.1 billion in approved investments, with the potential to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and concretely expand the operational capacity of our ports. The FMM thus fulfills its strategic role of leveraging projects that promote regional development and enhance Brazil’s competitiveness in international trade,” he concluded.

According to MPor, the interventions will make port operations more agile and organized, reducing delays and expanding service capacity. “In practice, this represents greater efficiency in services, job creation, and stimulus to the economy of the regions involved.”

Regional investments

In addition to the projects at Porto de Santos, the funds cover other regions of the country. At Porto de Paranaguá (PR), the expansion and modernization of terminal PAR-09 was approved, with an investment of R\$ 1.14 billion and an expected 1,200 direct jobs. At Porto do Pecém (CE), the Private Use Terminal (TUP) of Nordeste Logística was also authorized, with an investment of R\$ 795.1 million and an estimated 1,000 direct jobs.

At Porto de Santana (AP), the investment of R\$ 127.8 million will enable the implementation of a storage and dispatch system. At Porto de Aratu (BA), the projects include new silos and operational and structural improvements.

Financing The FMM supports projects focused on the country’s naval and port infrastructure. It is administered by MPor and operates through financial institutions such as Banco Nacional do Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), Banco do Brasil (BB), Banco da Amazônia (Basa), Banco do Nordeste (BNB), and Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF).

After approval, projects have up to 450 days to secure financing, with possible extensions in accordance with current regulations. The Fund may finance up to 90% of the value of the projects, in line with the rules established by the Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN).