Agreement between Federal Govt and and port operators bolsters ESG agenda

Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports and the National Federation of Port Operations (Fenop) on Wednesday (4) signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to develop and implement the Ports and Bridges project, an initiative aimed at promoting and disseminating sustainability best practices across Brazil’s port sector.

The partnership is designed to strengthen the sustainability agenda led by the ministry and is aligned with the guidelines of the National Port Decarbonization Program (PND), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Brazil’s international climate commitments.

For Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho, the agreement marks an important step toward consolidating a sustainable agenda. “This signing represents the construction of a port agenda aligned with sustainability across Brazilian ports, further strengthening best practices in the sector,” he said.

Ports and Bridges Project

Focused on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars, the project seeks to encourage the integration of sustainability into port management and operational practices, while fostering engagement among port operators, labor management bodies — known in Brazil as OGMO entities — and other strategic stakeholders.

The initiative is based on the premise that ESG must be addressed transversally, linking ports to the territories in which they operate.

Planned actions under the Ports and Bridges project include the dissemination of successful case studies, technical events and awareness-raising activities, sector-wide mobilization to encourage adherence to sustainable initiatives, and periodic monitoring of ESG practices across Brazilian ports. The activities are intended to support the sector’s maturation in sustainability.

According to Fenop president Sérgio Aquino, the project reinforces the federation’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility in the port industry.

“Fenop has several technical committees, including one focused on social and environmental responsibility. It was through this committee that the Ports and Bridges program was created, under very strong coordination, with notable involvement from our executive, Maria Cristina Dutra. We are very honored and pleased to formalize this agreement,” Aquino said.

About the Agreement

The National Secretariat of Ports (SNP), part of the Ministry of Ports and Airports, will provide institutional support to the initiative, contribute technical expertise, coordinate with other public bodies and relevant entities, and ensure alignment with the ministry’s sustainability guidelines.

Fenop will be responsible for coordinating project execution, operationalizing the planned actions, and mobilizing port operators and labor management bodies.

The Technical Cooperation Agreement will be valid for up to 24 months and will include joint monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, allowing for adjustments and improvements throughout its implementation.

Source: MPOR

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