Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund approves R$4 billion in new shipbuilding and modernization projects

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), through the Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM), has approved 14 new projects worth R$4 billion during its 60th Ordinary Meeting held on Thursday (18). The initiatives include the construction, modernization, docking, maintenance, and repair of vessels, as well as the construction of a floating dock, bringing the total value of projects approved in 2025 to R$28 billion.

One of the highlights is the approval for the construction of six Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs), specialized ships designed to combat oil spills and other marine environmental emergencies, requested by CMM Offshore Brasil S/A. The R$2.97 billion investment is expected to generate 6,795 direct jobs at the Enseada Shipyard in Bahia, contributing to the renewal of the fleet chartered by Petrobras and to strengthening Brazil’s shipbuilding industry.

For the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the decision reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing the merchant marine fleet and increasing Brazil’s competitiveness. “Brazilian states will play a strategic role with the construction of OSRV vessels at the Enseada Shipyard, an initiative that will generate jobs, income, and expand the country’s productive capacity,” he said.

According to the National Secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Dino Antunes, the approved projects represent a significant step forward for the sector. “Investments like these are essential to consolidating national navigation infrastructure and improving the efficiency of river transport. In addition to generating jobs, they strengthen Brazil’s logistics and ensure greater sustainability in maritime and coastal operations,” he emphasized.

The meeting also presented results achieved in 2025 up to August, which included R$24 billion in prioritized projects, R$1 billion in projects already contracted, and R$1 billion in disbursements from the FMM to the shipbuilding industry.

Regional investments

In addition to the Bahia project, other approved investments total R$1.05 billion and are distributed across different states. Navegação Guarita, based in Rio Grande do Sul, received approval to build four tankers and three tank barges at shipyards in Pará, valued at R$312.8 million, along with a tugboat and push boats in Santa Catarina, worth R$63.3 million.

In Amazonas, Navegação Cunha had a R$103.4 million project approved for the construction of 21 grain barges, while Metalmar Industrial e Naval, also based in Amazonas, was authorized to invest R$18.2 million in a floating dock.

In Santa Catarina, BRAM, a Rio de Janeiro company, received approval to modernize the AHTS Campos Contender and PSV Bram Bravo in a R$26.6 million project.

The shipping company Elcano, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, was authorized to carry out the docking of a gas carrier in Pernambuco, valued at R$7.3 million, as well as an intermediate docking in Rio de Janeiro, worth R$16.4 million. Wilson Sons Offshore, also from Rio, obtained approval to perform docking and engine maintenance services, with an investment of R$40.7 million.

Still in Rio de Janeiro, Oceanpact was authorized to modernize the OTSV Ilha do Mosqueiro in a R$21.3 million project. In total, these investments are expected to generate 12,200 direct jobs, driving regional development and strengthening the national economy.

Merchant Marine Fund

Created to support the merchant marine and the Brazilian shipbuilding industry, the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) is managed by the Ministry of Ports and Airports, through the CDFMM, and operates with financial agents such as the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Banco do Brasil (BB), Banco da Amazônia (BASA), Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB), and Caixa Econômica Federal (CAIXA).

The deadline for submitting projects to the 61st Ordinary Meeting, scheduled for December 11, ends on October 13. According to Ministry of Infrastructure Ordinance 1.460/2022, new projects have up to 450 days to secure financing contracts, reduced to 180 days in the case of extensions.

The fund can finance up to 90% of the project’s value, with conditions varying according to national content and vessel type, under National Monetary Council (CMN) Resolution 5.225/2025.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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