New projects approved by the Merchant Marine Fund will total R$5 billion in investment

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), through the Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM), approved 25 new projects totaling R$3.8 billion in investments and resubmitted nine additional projects worth R$1.2 billion during the 61st Ordinary Meeting held on Wednesday (17). Cumulatively in 2025, the Fund has already reached R$32.1 billion in approved projects—a historic record since its creation in 1958. These initiatives have the potential to generate 9,662 direct jobs and strengthen the country’s shipbuilding industry and inland navigation.

Among the main approved projects is that of Mobile Port Logística e Navegação Ltda., which provides for the construction of 93 vessels—86 barges, two tugboats, four push boats, and one floating transshipment station—totaling R$1.07 billion in investments, with a direct impact on logistics in Brazil’s Northern Arc.

Also approved was Transpetro’s project for the construction of 36 vessels (18 barges and 18 push boats), valued at R$616 million, which is currently in the bidding phase.

According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the result confirms the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the shipbuilding sector. “The Merchant Marine Fund is a strategic instrument to strengthen the shipbuilding industry, modernize the Brazilian fleet, and expand the country’s logistics efficiency. These investments generate jobs, income, and promote regional development,” he said.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Airports and President of the CDFMM, Tomé Franca, the projects reflect the Fund’s alignment with sector priorities. “The Council’s decisions strengthen inland navigation, expand the country’s logistics capacity, and provide predictability for investments. The Fund plays an essential role in supporting everything from fleet modernization to improvements in port infrastructure,” he emphasized.

During the meeting, the 2025 results of the Merchant Marine Fund were also presented. A total of R$7.3 billion has already been contracted this year—the highest volume in the past 13 years. By November, growth-related resources totaled R$1.5 billion, consolidating the recovery of the shipbuilding industry and the Fund’s strategic role.

Climate Fund investments

The Merchant Marine Fund also allocated R$4.2 billion to the Climate Fund (EcoInvest), aimed at modernizing waterways and ports, supporting riverside communities, and reducing carbon emissions in the waterway sector.

For the National Secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Otto Luiz Burlier, the initiative demonstrates the Ministry’s environmental commitment. “The decarbonization of navigation and waterway infrastructure is a central pillar of the public policy we are building. Directing resources to more efficient projects, with lower environmental impact and strong integration with the bioeconomy—especially in the Amazon—is essential to making waterborne transport more competitive and sustainable,” he concluded.

Next steps

The next round of project analysis will take place at the 62nd Ordinary Meeting of the CDFMM, scheduled for March 19, 2026. Proposals may be submitted until January 19, 2026.

After approval, projects will have up to 450 days to formalize financing agreements, a period that may be reduced to 180 days in the event of an extension.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports

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