Amazonas set to receive R$1.7 bln for shipbuilding

The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, announced this Monday (29) in Manaus (AM) investments of R$1.7 billion from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) for the construction of 188 vessels in the state of Amazonas. The projects, to be developed by the companies LHG Mining and Hermasa, will generate 10,000 jobs, provide income for the local population, and promote development in riverside communities. In addition to announcing FMM funding, the minister is also pursuing other agendas in Amazonas, including the inauguration of the Envira River port and the announcement of modernization works at the Eirunepé port facility.

“The projects we are delivering today promote sustainability, decarbonization, reduced logistics costs for Brazil, and generate jobs and income in Amazonas—especially for riverside populations—while reinforcing the Federal Government’s policy of reviving the Brazilian shipbuilding industry nationwide,” said the minister. He highlighted that since 2023, R$70 billion from the FMM has already been prioritized for projects, three times more than what was approved between 2019 and 2022. “More than R$25 billion in credit has already been granted through the Merchant Marine Fund, including for Petrobras projects and initiatives like this one, which is fundamental for the flow of Brazilian production,” he added.

In the morning, the minister took part in the delivery ceremony of the first iron ore barges from LHG Mining’s project at the Juruá Shipyard. In total, 128 vessels are planned for Amazonas, with investments of R$1.36 billion in the state, financed by the FMM. The company will construct a total of 400 barges and 15 pushers, with a total investment of R$4.3 billion across Amazonas, Bahia, Pará, and São Paulo.

Hermasa, meanwhile, is responsible for building 60 grain barges and two pushers, including models with a capacity of up to 2,000 tonnes. The investment amounts to R$384.3 million, funded by the FMM.

In his remarks, the minister emphasized the importance of river navigation in promoting sustainability measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, relieving pressure on highways, and limiting truck traffic to shorter distances. Each convoy comprises 16 barges, each carrying 50,000 tonnes of ore—the equivalent of 1,250 trucks in total.

“We are working closely with President Lula and Senator Eduardo Braga to transform Amazonas more and more into a strategic region for Brazil, as a hub of development. Not only through this logistics plan, but also through our barges, which are essential for production flow and reducing logistics costs. This agenda aligns with the sustainability agenda and also with President Lula’s priority of duplicating BR-319,” he added.

The event was attended by Amazonas senators Eduardo Braga and Omar Aziz. Senator Aziz highlighted the benefits of the investments for the population: “Bringing new investments here generates prosperity for the people, creates jobs, creates income, and above all, helps build the country we want for everyone,” he said.

Eduardo Braga, in turn, emphasized the importance of river navigation as one of the region’s main modes of transport. “Many times, it is the only means of transportation in the Amazon,” Braga said, underscoring the need to understand Amazonas’ reality and needs. “The shipyard contracts are a demonstration of a Brazil that works, that generates jobs, and that prepares for the future,” he added.

Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos

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