Porto Piauí project comes to life and is set to become an export hub

A long-held dream, Porto Piauí, the only Atlantic-facing state in Brazil without a seaport, was first conceived in the 1960s. The project, planned for the city of Luís Correia, never advanced despite Piauí becoming one of the country’s leading producers of grains and minerals.

Now, with the restructuring of the Companhia de Terminais, Portos e Hidrovias do Piauí and an investment of R$200 million, about 10% of the state’s total investment budget, the project has finally moved forward.

The first completed works include dredging of the access channel to the fishing and multipurpose terminal area, earthworks for the terminal site, the maneuvering yard, and perimeter fencing around the yard and headquarters. Navigation simulations in the channel have been completed and submitted to the Brazilian Navy. The port authority now awaits official approval of the channel and is in the final phase of assessment for the installation of navigation aids.

According to the government’s schedule, initial operations at Porto Piauí are expected to begin by late 2025, starting with the shipment of marine limestone, fertilizers, and soil conditioners. In the first half of 2026, operations with iron ore, a sector that grew more than 4,000% between 2023 and 2024, are set to begin. Also next year, the fishing dock will come online, featuring an ice plant and seafood processing terminals with cleaning stations, sorting belts, and cold storage chambers, serving both artisanal fishers and industrial clients.

Raimundo Nonato Palmeira Dias Jr., president of Companhia Porto Piauí, explained that, at first, the port will handle vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes and perform transshipment, a technique in which smaller vessels transfer cargo to larger ships anchored roughly 15 miles off the coast. The state has already signed a contract under this model with Lion Mining, based in Piripiri, which produced 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024.

“In 2026, we’ll start dredging the channel to a depth of 11 meters. By 2027, we’ll be able to receive vessels with drafts over 12 meters,” said Dias Jr.

One confirmed venture involves the construction of a general and containerized cargo terminal in partnership with CNaga Armazéns Gerais, based in São Paulo. According to Dias Jr., the group, which also operates at the Port of São Sebastião (SP), plans to invest more than R$100 million in Porto Piauí.

Source: Valor Econômico

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