Cargo throughput at the Port of Rio de Janeiro grows 27% in the first four months of the year

The Port of Rio de Janeiro recorded a significant increase in cargo throughput during the first four months of 2025. From January to April, 5.4 million tonnes were handled, representing a 27.48% growth compared to the same period last year. The data comes from the Waterway Statistics Report by Brazil’s National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq).

Among the highlights of the period is the growth in containerized cargo, which increased to 3.8 million tonnes, a 21.92% rise. Solid bulk reached 774 thousand tonnes (a 20.86% increase), while liquid bulk posted the highest percentage growth in the period: 74.98%, totaling 540 thousand tonnes. General cargo reached 324 thousand tonnes, an increase of 60.85% compared to the same period last year. These figures confirm the Port of Rio de Janeiro as one of the ten most important terminals in the country.

Here is a historical overview of long-haul container handling at the Port of Rio de Janeiro starting from January 2022. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Long-Haul Container Handling | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Of the total cargo handled from January to April 2025, 1.1 million tonnes were transported by cabotage, representing a 35.18% increase over the first four months of the previous year. In long-haul navigation — which includes exports and imports — cargo throughput reached 3.6 million tonnes, up 19.61% compared to 2024.

In addition to general cargo, containerized cargo, and solid and liquid bulk, the Port of Rio de Janeiro also handles steel products, wheat, zinc concentrate, and offshore support cargo.
The National Secretary for Ports, Alex Ávila, emphasized that the figures reflect the Ministry of Ports and Airports’ investment policy and the government’s focus on the sector in recent years.

“The strong performance of Brazilian terminals reflects the investments we are making in this mode of transport. Brazil has a historical infrastructure deficit in its port sector, but we are now reversing this scenario with more funding, terminal concessions, navigational channel improvements, and overall infrastructure upgrades. Brazil’s economy depends on its ports. They are the gateway for food, raw materials, and wealth, generating jobs, income, and development across all regions,” he stated.

Investments
Since April of this year, the Port of Rio de Janeiro has been prepared to receive vessels with larger cargo volumes following the completion of dredging works on the main channel carried out by PortosRio, the port management authority. The modernization project is expected to enhance the terminal’s operational capacity and strengthen its strategic role on the national stage.

With an investment of R$163 million, the channel depth increased to 15.3 meters, allowing for an estimated increase of up to 700 TEUs per vessel.

In addition to the dredging, the port also underwent upgrades to its nautical signaling system, enabling vessels up to 366 meters in length to maneuver safely — further increasing the terminal’s competitiveness.

Also in April, terminal RDJ11 was auctioned off in a tender organized by the Ministry of Ports and Airports in partnership with Antaq. The bidding process was part of the Federal Government’s first round of leasing auctions in 2025.

Terminal RDJ11 will be used for the handling and storage of solid bulk — especially zinc concentrate — and general cargo, particularly steel products. The project, awarded to the Port of Rio de Janeiro Consortium, will receive a direct investment of R$ 6.80 million under a 10-year concession contract.

The terminal’s projected operations include the reception of road and rail cargo, open yard storage, and waterway shipping for general cargo. For solid bulk, the flow includes waterway reception, storage, and subsequent dispatch via road or rail.

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