Merchant Marine Fund financing adds 70 vessels to Brazil’s northern fleet

Investments from Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund have supported the delivery of 70 vessels in the North region over the past three years, with R$406.7 million in financing for the construction, repair and modernization of the national fleet. The projects generated about 3,114 direct jobs.

The funding covered the construction of ore barges, cargo barges and harbor tugs, key assets for moving cargo along Amazonian rivers and supporting regional logistics. The projects are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of river operations while strengthening Brazil’s shipbuilding supply chain, including shipyards, equipment suppliers and specialized service providers.

“The Merchant Marine Fund supports projects that drive regional economic activity, strengthen Brazilian shipyards and contribute to increasingly efficient and integrated navigation, while also generating jobs and supporting the economy,” said Ports and Airports Minister Tomé Franca.

Otto Burlier, national secretary for waterways and navigation, said the financing also plays an important role in expanding Brazil’s waterway infrastructure.

“Inland navigation is strategic for the development of the North region. Investments backed by the fund help expand the sector’s operating capacity, strengthen regional logistics and promote more efficient and sustainable transport,” he said.

Delivered projects

Among the projects delivered with support from the fund is the construction of five ore barges by Estaleiro Rio Amazonas, or Eram. The project received R$31.82 million in investment and generated 260 direct jobs. The same shipyard also built six barges under a R$27.42 million project that will expand waterway transport capacity in the Amazon region.

The program also financed the dry-docking and repair of two harbor tugs, a R$15.21 million project that created 66 direct jobs and helped modernize the fleet used in waterway operations in northern Brazil.

Another major project for the region was the delivery of 20 vessels for mineral transport by Estaleiro Juruá, in Iranduba, Amazonas. With R$127.87 million in financing, the project generated 1,040 direct jobs and expanded logistics capacity along Amazon waterway corridors.

Daniel Aldigueri, director of navigation and development at the National Secretariat for Waterways and Navigation, said the fund’s projects have effects beyond the shipyards.

“These investments improve the efficiency of waterway logistics corridors, which are essential to the country’s competitiveness,” he said.

Shipbuilding industry

The Merchant Marine Fund finances vessel construction, modernization, repair and maintenance projects, as well as the expansion and modernization of shipyards. The initiative is part of the federal government’s policy to strengthen the shipbuilding industry and logistics infrastructure, supporting fleet renewal, job creation and sustainable economic development.

The next round of project evaluations is scheduled for the 63rd ordinary meeting of the Merchant Marine Fund’s Board of Directors, set for July 14, when new projects for the shipbuilding industry and waterway transport sector will be reviewed.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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