Brazil and France strengthen port sector ties with focus on modernization and workforce training

On Thursday (11), Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, carried out two official agenda items in Marseille as part of the government’s mission to France. He visited the Port of Marseille, one of Europe’s largest, and met at the headquarters of shipping company CMA CGM with CEO Rodolphe Saadé.

The Port of Marseille operates as a multipurpose facility, handling cargo and serving as a cruise terminal. The complex receives about 2 million cruise passengers annually, underscoring the potential of Brazil in the sector. “We are working to ensure that Brazilian ports increasingly advance as sustainable hubs, prepared to receive large vessels and boost cruise tourism, especially in the North and Northeast,” Minister Silvio Costa Filho said.

Anderson Pomini, president of the Santos Port Authority (APS), who joined the visit, highlighted that Santos is following the same path of modernization. “The Port of Santos is already studying the transfer of the cruise terminal to Parque Valongo, which will strengthen tourism and increase the attractiveness of the complex,” he said.

Investments

The minister then visited the CMA CGM Tower, the group’s headquarters in Marseille, for a meeting with CEO Rodolphe Saadé. Discussions focused on investment opportunities in Brazil, particularly upcoming port concessions, as well as initiatives to train logistics and maritime sector workers through the company’s Tangram excellence center.

CMA CGM already has investments in Brazil, most notably the 2024 purchase of Santos Brasil’s terminal for US$2.4 billion (about R$13 billion). The group is also recognized globally for innovation, sustainability, and workforce training.

“Brazil is strategic for CMA CGM. We want to expand our operations and strengthen our presence in the country, with new investments and partnerships,” Saadé said.

Silvio Costa Filho emphasized that the agenda with CMA CGM opens new perspectives for the sector. “Our commitment is to enhance the competitiveness of Brazil’s port industry, attract global investment, and at the same time ensure workforce training to prepare Brazil for the future,” he stated.

Thursday’s engagements marked the conclusion of the France Mission, led by the Ministry of Ports and Airports throughout the week. The initiative reinforced bilateral cooperation and opened new opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships, consolidating Brazil’s commitment to modernizing and making its port and logistics sectors more sustainable.

Source: O Sul Matogrossence

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