Investments in Brazilian private port terminals expected to remain solid

Six contracts regarding private use terminals (TUP) at Brazilian ports are expected to generate investments of 5.4bn reais (US$923mn), according to figures compiled by private port terminals association ATP.

"According to the ATP survey, 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. Among the highlights is the TUP of Luís Correa, in Piauí, with planned investment of 2.5bn reais. The company Porto Piauí will handle four types of cargo at the terminal: solid bulk, liquid bulk, containers and general cargo," ATP said in a statement.

"Among the other TUPs authorized last year are Porto Meridional in Arroio do Sal (Rio Grande do Sul state), which will also operate the four types of cargo; the agricultural solid bulk terminal in Porto Velho (Rondônia state); TUP Acará (Pará state), for liquid bulk; and Porto Park in Balneário Piçarras (Santa Catarina), for passenger transportation," it added.

ATP did not provide an investment schedule, however.

Meanwhile, another 14 contracts are awaiting authorization from the ports and airports ministry before the respective investment plans can advance. These contracts involve expected investments of 30bn reais, according to ATP.

Private port terminals handled more than 850Mt in 2024, accounting for two-thirds of national cargo movement.

Projects in this segment are linked to robust foreign trade, which is expected to keep rising.