Bahia Ports to Receive R$1.5 Billion for Infrastructure Modernization

On Friday (May 23), Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, announced a R$1.5 billion investment package for the public ports of Bahia — Aratu-Candeias, Salvador, and Ilhéus. Funded by the New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC), the initiative aims to expand logistics infrastructure, boost competitiveness, and stimulate economic development across the state.

During the announcement ceremony, Minister Costa Filho emphasized the strategic relevance of the project:

“The more than R$1.5 billion we’re announcing today represents a strategic leap for Bahia’s port infrastructure, with direct impacts on national logistics, job creation, and the sustainable growth of the state and the Northeast region.”

The investment includes extensive work at the Port of Salvador, focusing on expansion, modernization, and technological innovation. The upgrades are intended to improve operational efficiency and position the port as a strategic hub for Bahia’s and Brazil’s maritime trade. Also in attendance were Chief of Staff Rui Costa, Codeba CEO Antonio Gobbo, and Bahia’s Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues.

Below is a historical overview of cargo throughput at the Port of Salvador based on DataLiner data:

Cargo Throughput at the Port of Salvador | Jan 2022 – Mar 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Expansion and Operational Efficiency

The Aratu-Candeias Port Complex will receive nearly R$400 million in investments from ATU 12 Arrendatária Portuária SPE S.A. to expand and modernize its solid mineral bulk terminal. Meanwhile, ATU 18 is undertaking a R$120 million project and has submitted an additional R$535 million proposal for bulk vegetable handling.

Ultracargo Logística S.A., also located in the complex, plans to invest R$305.7 million in a new liquid bulk pier and a 50,000 m³ expansion in storage capacity. The upgrades will accommodate vessels up to 215 meters in length.

With these investments, Aratu will feature two new terminals dedicated to supporting Bahia’s agribusiness sector, particularly in the state’s western region, which has long faced logistical bottlenecks. As a result, the port complex’s annual cargo capacity is expected to increase sixfold — from 2 million to over 12.5 million tons.

“Producers in the region can now export more efficiently, unlocking their full production potential and accelerating the sector’s growth,” Costa Filho stated.

Reactivation and Strategic Dredging

In southern Bahia, the Port of Ilhéus will benefit from R$129.6 million in funding to reactivate its wheat mill, which has been idle for 17 years. The move is expected to usher in a new economic cycle for the region, with positive impacts on the food and agricultural sectors. Forecasts suggest the facility could generate up to R$229 million in revenue over the next five years.

Additionally, maintenance dredging has restored the port’s operational depth to 10 meters, with plans underway to increase it to 14 meters. This enhancement will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels, improving its competitiveness within the national logistics chain.

“The reactivation of the Wheat Mill in Ilhéus after 17 years is more than the return of a facility — it marks a turning point for the local economy, bringing jobs, income, and development,” said Alex Ávila, Brazil’s National Secretary of Ports. “This is the result of coordinated efforts by Codeba and the Federal Government, reinforcing Ilhéus’s strategic role in Brazil’s logistics network.”

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