Federal Government to hold first block of port auctions of 2026 in February

The Federal Government’s first block of port terminal auctions in 2026 will take place on February 26 at B3 in São Paulo. The auction, announced on Wednesday (17), will be carried out by the Ministry of Ports and Airports in partnership with the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq). With total investments of R$229 million, the four terminals included in the block are located in Macapá (AP), Natal (RN), Porto Alegre (RS) and Recife (PE). These ports handle cereals, bulk cargoes, minerals and passengers.

“We are continuing the largest port concession program, with the auction of important terminals in the North, South and Northeast regions. In addition to strengthening the port sector by expanding capacity and operational efficiency, we are maintaining our commitment to decentralization and promoting regional development,” said Minister Silvio Costa Filho when announcing the new auction this Monday. He highlighted that since 2023, the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has already carried out 26 port-sector auctions, totalling R$15.5 billion in investments.

“This first block of port auctions in 2026 reflects a long-term vision for Brazil’s waterway infrastructure. Antaq works to ensure a safe and efficient regulatory environment that stimulates investment, expands port capacity and brings greater dynamism to national logistics. These are projects that strengthen regional integration and turn infrastructure into development,” said Antaq Director-General Frederico Dias.

For the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, the first block of terminals stands out for the diversity of cargo handled, including cereals, bulk cargoes, minerals and passengers. Ávila also noted that the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) is already working on subsequent auctions. “This will be the first auction of 2026, but the Secretariat is already preparing other auctions, such as the container terminal at the Port of Santos, Tecon Santos 10, which has been approved by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and will be auctioned in March,” he said, adding that a roadshow is planned for January to present the projects to potential investors.

TMP Recife – The passenger terminal in Recife (PE) has forecast investments of R$2.3 million and a 25-year concession term. The Recife terminal, together with those in Fortaleza (CE), Maceió and Salvador (BA), is expected to strengthen an integrated Northeast cruise circuit, reinforcing the region’s natural vocation for tourism.

MCP01 – The Port of Santana plays an important role in the state of Amapá and the Northern region, particularly for shipping regional grain production and wood chips. Forecast investments amount to R$150.20 million, with a 25-year concession term.

POA26 – Located within the boundaries of the Organized Port of Porto Alegre (RS), POA26 has planned investments of R$21.13 million for the lease of the area, intended for the handling and storage of dry bulk, with a 10-year concession term. The POA26 auction will contribute to the modernization of ports in southern Brazil.

NAT01 – Intended for the shipment of mineral bulk, especially iron ore, the terminal located in Natal (RN) has forecast investments of R$55.17 million and a 15-year concession term. Together with other ports in the region, it reinforces port activity in the Northeast.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports