Six New Private Use Terminals (TUPs) Sign Contracts in 2024, Investing R$ 5.4 Billion in Ports; 14 Projects Await Authorization

Last year, six new adhesion contracts were signed with the federal government to install Private Use Terminals (TUPs) to increase cargo movement in Brazilian ports. The contracts, signed with the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), represent an expected investment of R$ 5.4 billion.

Additionally, 14 other private port terminals—which have already been announced publicly—are awaiting authorization from MPor, with projected investments exceeding R$30 billion.

The information, released on Thursday (January 30th), comes from the Research and Development Coordination of the Association of Private Port Terminals (ATP). According to ATP’s report, in 2024, authorizations were granted for the installation of:

• Two port terminals in the North region
• Two in the Northeast
• Two in the South

One of the key projects is the TUP in Luís Correa, Piauí, which is expected to attract an investment of R$2.5 billion. The Porto Piauí company will operate the terminal with four types of cargo: solid bulk, liquid bulk, containers, and general cargo.

Other authorized TUPs in 2024 include:

• Porto Meridional, in Arroio do Sal (RS), also operates four types of cargo
• Agricultural Solid Bulk Terminal in Porto Velho (RO)
• TUP Acará (PA), for liquid bulk operations
• Porto Park, in Balneário Piçarras (SC), for passenger transport

14 Private Terminal Projects Await Authorization

Among the 14 projects awaiting MPor authorization for adhesion contracts and installation, 11 are new TUPs, and three are requests for expansion. These new projects will focus on various types of cargo, including solid bulk, liquid bulk, gas, containers, general cargo, and passengers.

According to ATP President Murillo Barbosa, the six new TUPs that have signed contracts with the government and the 14 projects awaiting authorization—totaling over R$35 billion in planned investments—underscore the significance of private port terminals in Brazil’s development.

“Several private port terminal projects across Brazil are essential for expanding the country’s cargo movement. These infrastructure investments enhance operational efficiency, ensuring companies remain competitive and explore new opportunities in the international market,” Barbosa stated.

TUPs Handle Two-Thirds of National Cargo Movement

According to ATP, private terminals were expected to handle over 850 million tons of cargo in 2024, representing approximately two-thirds of Brazil’s total cargo movement.

Notable growth sectors include:

• Container movement, which increased by over 7% through November 2024
• Iron ore movement, which grew by 3.6%

Final figures for the year, including December’s data, are yet to be released.

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