Brazilian group moving forward with US$480mn port project in Espírito Santo state

The construction of a port complex in Brazil’s Espírito Santo state by industrial group Imetame is advancing.

“It’s a fantastic project with investments of 2.7 billion reais (US$482 million), which could reach up to 4 billion reais. Given the strategic location of the region, it will certainly contribute to strengthening the port sector and expanding capacity and raising the level of service," Alex Ávila, ports secretary at the ports and airports ministry, said in a statement.

A partial opening of the Imetame port is scheduled for the second half of next year, with the official inauguration set for the second half of 2026. 

In the first year of operation, it is expected to handle 80,000 containers and 500,000t of cargo.

The port complex is located in the city of Aracruz and will be able to receive large vessels for the transport of grains, especially to Asian markets. The project includes a private terminal with its own administration, which will handle containers, grains, general cargo and liquid bulk.

The project is included in the government's PAC growth acceleration program, which means it is receiving federal funding although the amount has not been made public.

A group of representatives from the ports ministry, including minister Silvio Costa Filho, recently visited the works.