New private port terminals drive R$ 35 billion in investments across Brazil

New private structures are essential to increase cargo handling (Pixabay)

The six new adhesion contracts for the installation of Private Use Terminals (TUPs) in Brazilian ports, signed last year by the Federal Government, are expected to generate investments of R\$ 5.4 billion.

Additionally, another 14 private port terminals, which have already gone through a public announcement process, are awaiting authorization from the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), with projected investments exceeding R\$ 30 billion. The information comes from the Private Port Terminals Association (ATP).

According to ATP, in 2024, authorization was granted for the installation of two port terminals in the North Region, two in the Northeast, and two in the South. One of the highlights is the TUP in Luís Correa, Piauí, with a planned investment of R\$ 2.5 billion. The company Porto Piauí will operate four types of cargo at the terminal: solid bulk, liquid bulk, containers, and general cargo.

The other authorized TUPs are Porto Meridional, in Arroio do Sal (RS), which will also handle all four types of cargo; the Agricultural Solid Bulk Terminal in Porto Velho (RO); TUP Acará (PA), designated for liquid bulk operations; and Porto Park, in Balneário Piçarras (SC), for passenger transportation.

Regarding the 14 projects awaiting MPor’s authorization for the signing of adhesion contracts and terminal installation, 11 are new TUPs, while three involve expansion requests. These new ventures will focus investments on terminals designed for different types of cargo, including solid, liquid, and gaseous bulk, containers, general cargo, and passengers.

According to ATP President Murillo Barbosa, the six new TUPs that have signed contracts with the Federal Government, along with the 14 projects awaiting approval — totaling over R\$ 35 billion in projected investments — underscore the significance of private port terminals for Brazil’s development.

"Essential private port terminal projects are underway in Brazil to expand cargo handling. These are infrastructure investments that enhance operational efficiency and ensure companies maintain their competitiveness," says Barbosa.