BNDES Financing of R$ 331 Million Aims to Prepare the Port of Rio Grande for Larger Vessels

The container terminal in Rio Grande, in southern Rio Grande do Sul, will undergo modernization supported by R$ 331 million in financing. The amount was approved by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) for Tecon Rio Grande S/A, a Wilson Sons group company that operates the terminal.

The funds, provided by the Merchant Marine Fund, will be used for dredging works, quay automation, and the purchase of new equipment. The list includes ship-to-shore cranes (portainers), new rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), and electric terminal tractors.

The investment aims to prepare the port to receive larger vessels, increase operational efficiency, and consolidate the terminal as a logistics hub for the Southern Cone, facilitating trade with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

According to BNDES president Aloizio Mercadante, the modernization is expected to reduce vessel turnaround time and, consequently, operational costs. He states that the project aims to boost development and exports in southern Brazil.

Tecon Rio Grande is the only dedicated container terminal in the state and currently has capacity to handle 1.42 million TEUs per year.

The financing is part of the BNDES Azul initiative, launched by the bank in January 2024 to support projects within the so-called “blue economy,” which includes port infrastructure and the decarbonization of the maritime fleet.

Source: G1

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