Waterborne transportation in Brazil to receive BRL 700 M boost this year

The Brazilian government is set to inject R$ 700 million into waterway infrastructure across the nation this year, marking an 11% surge from the R$ 648.4 million allocated to the sector in 2023. This investment represents a significant leap from the R$ 192 million budgeted in 2022, showcasing a remarkable 275% increase.

These figures, unveiled by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, during a high-profile event on Monday (Feb 26) at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3), underscore a strategic push to bolster waterborne transportation networks. Costa Filho emphasized that the bulk of these funds will be directed towards dredging operations, aimed at optimizing the flow of Brazil’s vital production chains.

Echoing commitments made in the previous year, Costa Filho restated the establishment of the National Waterways Secretariat, a move anticipated “in the coming days,” according to the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor).

“Notably, Brazil has never ventured into concessions or public-private partnerships (PPPs) within its waterway domain. We anticipate initiating more than five new PPPs to revitalize our waterborne infrastructure,” affirmed the minister.

Costa Filho called attention to Brazil’s extensive waterway network, spanning 18,000 kilometers of navigable routes, with the potential to expand to an impressive 42,000 kilometers. He mentioned ongoing studies by the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) and the federal government, envisioning a comprehensive mapping endeavor to expand the waterway transport network to cover 64,000 kilometers nationwide.

Each convoy, Costa Filho stated, translates to 515 fewer trucks on the road or 258 fewer train cars in operation.

“We have several projects in the works. We recently allocated R$ 3 billion to facilitate the acquisition of 400 barges by a Brazilian consortium, thereby facilitating operations along the Legal Amazon axis and the Northern region for exports,” said the minister.

Port of Santos

Turning his attention to port infrastructure, Costa Filho talked about the ambitious Santos-Guarujá underwater tunnel project, a centerpiece of the new Growth Acceleration Plan (PAC), alongside substantial dredging initiatives and the expansion of the Perimetral Avenue.

“Considering the significance of the Port of Santos, that is, over 30% of Brazil’s export and import activities, it is poised to receive approximately R$ 12 billion over the next four to five years,” he added.

Furthermore, Costa Filho outlined plans for approximately 35 new port auctions in Brazil over the next three years, attracting investments expected to reach nearly R$ 15 billion.

Source: A Tribuna

Click here to read the original text: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/hidrovias-devem-receber-r-700-milhoes

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