Porto Central begins construction of phase 1 in Espírito Santo

By Porto Central

December 2, 2024

This is a machine translation of the press release originally published in Portuguese.

Porto Central, in Presidente Kennedy (ES), will begin executing the project on December 4, 2024. With an initial investment of approximately R$2.6 billion and all environmental licenses issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) – LP 498/2014 and LI 1436/2023 -, Phase 1 will include the construction of the port infrastructure necessary to accommodate a deep-water liquid bulk terminal. The terminal will be dedicated to the transshipment of oil between ships (ship-to-ship), in a protected area, offering safety and efficiency for operations with large vessels, such as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).

The first intervention will be the suppression of vegetation, with the removal of approximately 65 hectares, part of a total of 2,000 hectares licensed for the project. To reach this stage, compensatory measures have been implemented since 2020, such as the planting of more than 12,000 native seedlings in the forest compensation areas, with the goal of reaching 100,000 seedlings planted throughout Phase 1. The rescue of terrestrial fauna, which began in November 2024, is part of the environmental plan and includes partnerships with institutions such as the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (IFES), Alegre campus, and the relocation of species to protected areas.

The schedule for the first phase of the port foresees completion of the works by mid-2027, with operations beginning in December of the same year. The stages include the completion of vegetation removal, followed by civil works for earthmoving and implementation of the construction site. Also planned are the production, transportation and storage of rocks for the southern breakwater, the installation of the concrete element manufacturing plant and the dredging of the access channel. A highlight of this phase is the adoption of the Adaptive Dredging Program (PGDA), a pioneering initiative in Brazil, which uses high technology to minimize environmental impacts during maritime works.

At the peak of Phase 1 construction, up to 1,295 direct workers are expected to be employed, with the goal of 70% being local workers. Priority is given to suppliers and workers from the port's areas of influence, and the project has strongly discouraged workers from other regions from migrating in search of opportunities.

Recognized as a structural and priority project in Espírito Santo and part of the Federal Government's Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), Porto Central is strategically located in the center of the Brazilian coast, close to the pre-salt basins, the main markets and the main highways and railways, which places the project in a prominent position on the national scene. “Porto Central will be a multipurpose port complex, with a strong focus on sustainability, which will be able to meet the most optimistic demands for economic growth in Brazil, strengthening national competitiveness, generating jobs and income, boosting opportunities and new businesses and improving the country's position in the port infrastructure ranking in relation to other countries in the world”, stated CEO Salomão Fadlalah.

According to Porto Central management, the project is strategically positioned in the national logistics context, meeting the growing demand for modern and efficient port infrastructure. “We are ready to contribute to the development of the Brazilian port sector and the growing demand for oil exports, offering additional capacity for oil exports and reducing logistics costs,” stated director Angelo Santos.

Another distinguishing feature is its integration with the national logistics network. In addition to the already consolidated road transport system, there are projects to connect the port to the EF-118 Railway, which will link Espírito Santo to the Central-West with the existing EFVM and FCA railways, and to the EF-352, planned to expand the routes for the flow of agricultural and industrial cargo.

With construction work about to begin, Porto Central is already planning the next steps to consolidate its strategic position in the Brazilian port sector. According to Commercial Manager Jessica Chan, in addition to the oil transshipment made possible for Phase 1, the port complex is structured and licensed to allow for future expansions and diversification of operations. “We are already in negotiations and carrying out the necessary technical studies for the development of the next terminals, in particular the shipyard for decommissioning and sustainable ship recycling in partnership with MARS and a container handling hub that will be able to receive ships of up to 25,000 TEUs.”

Multipurpose model

The masterplan covers an area of 2,000 hectares, with sea depths of up to 25 meters, and 54 berths intended for operations that go beyond the oil and derivatives sector. The project is designed to accommodate multipurpose terminals and industries, including the handling and storage of liquid bulk (such as bunker and fuels), dry bulk, grains, fertilizers, minerals, containers, general cargo, natural gas, offshore support and shipyards.

With a focus on sustainability, Porto Central is positioned as a strategic infrastructure to integrate renewable energy operations, such as solar and offshore wind farms, and to support decarbonization and energy transition strategies, including hydrogen-related projects. Its development will be implemented in phases, aligned with market demands and customer needs, ensuring flexibility, efficiency and strategic alignment with the project's growth.

The privileged location in the center of the Brazilian coast, in deep waters, close to the major production centers in Brazil and a market with over 100 million consumers, consolidates the complex as a global hub for various businesses, capable of receiving the largest ships in the world. This places the project at the forefront, standing out as one of the largest and most important port projects in the country at the moment. “It will contribute to expanding national access to a quality and efficient port infrastructure, providing logistical excellence and greater competitiveness for the country,” points out Angelo.