Merchant Marine Fund approves R$ 6 billion for the shipbuilding sector, generating 2,800 jobs

13 proposals were approved, with the potential to generate around 2,800 jobs (Disclosure/Arcelormittal)

The Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM) approved projects totaling R\$ 6 billion in investments. In total, 13 proposals were approved, with the potential to generate approximately 2,800 direct jobs and enable 95 projects in the shipbuilding sector. The meeting took place on Wednesday (18).

Among the main projects is Central Port, in Espírito Santo, focused on port infrastructure, with an investment of R\$ 2.18 billion, contributing to expanding logistics capacity and strengthening the national port system.

Next is the Petrobras project, which includes the construction of four vessels for transporting petroleum products, with an investment of R\$ 2.17 billion, representing one of the largest allocations in the portfolio.

Another highlight is GDE Transportes Ltda., which plans the construction of 35 vessels for fuel transportation in the Northern region, with an investment of R\$ 380.3 million. The initiative reinforces the role of inland waterway transport in supplying regions that depend on rivers for the delivery of essential goods.

Vessels

The investments also include projects for the construction of offshore support vessels, inland navigation vessels, and cargo ships, as well as initiatives for maintenance, repair, modernization, and expansion of shipyards in different states, such as Amazonas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.

The portfolio of approved projects includes initiatives ranging from vessel construction to shipyard modernization and the expansion of port infrastructure, helping to organize the logistics chain and provide greater predictability to the sector.

Public policy

According to the National Secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Otto Luiz Burlier, the set of investments demonstrates progress in public policy for the sector. “The approved projects show a structured effort to strengthen inland navigation and the shipbuilding industry, with a direct impact on the country’s logistics capacity”, he said. “We are advancing an agenda that combines efficiency, safety, and regional development, especially in areas where waterway transport is essential”, the secretary added.

Meeting

The 63rd Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM) will be held on June 18, 2026. Proposals for new projects may be submitted until April 20, 2026.

After approval, the projects will have up to 450 days to formalize financing agreements. This period may be extended by up to 180 days, totaling 630 days for contracting with financial agents.