Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund Backs BRL 5.1 Billion in Port Projects

Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports has approved nine projects aimed at expanding and modernizing port infrastructure, unlocking BRL 5.1 billion (about USD 1 billion) in investments.

The funding was cleared during an extraordinary meeting of the Merchant Marine Fund’s board (FMM), with the projects expected to generate 5,346 direct jobs and boost operational capacity across several ports.

Among the approved initiatives are the modernization of Terminals 16 and 17 at the Port of Santos under CLI Sul’s lease agreement, with investments totaling BRL 678.2 million, and the development of a new private-use terminal at the Port of Pecém, valued at BRL 795.1 million.

Officials said the investments are designed to strengthen Brazil’s logistics infrastructure, improve port efficiency and support regional development.

In addition to projects in São Paulo and Ceará, funding was allocated to other regions. At the Port of Paranaguá (PR), BRL 1.14 billion was approved for the expansion and modernization of Terminal PAR-09, with an estimated 1,200 direct jobs. In Pecém, a separate BRL 795.1 million private terminal project by Nordeste Logística was also cleared, with around 1,000 direct jobs projected.

At the Port of Santana (AP), BRL 127.8 million will be invested in storage and dispatch systems. Projects at the Port of Aratu (BA) include the construction of new silos and operational upgrades.

The Merchant Marine Fund finances naval and port infrastructure projects and is managed by the Ministry of Ports and Airports. Financing is provided through public banks, including BNDES, Banco do Brasil, Banco da Amazônia, Banco do Nordeste and Caixa Econômica Federal.

Approved projects have up to 450 days to secure financing, with possible extensions under current regulations. The fund can cover up to 90% of project costs, subject to National Monetary Council guidelines.

Source: Ministry of Port and Airports

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