Porto Sudeste expands oil handling capacity with new marine infrastructure

Porto Sudeste, a privately operated terminal in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro state, is expanding its infrastructure to accommodate growing volumes of crude oil and refined products in Brazil.

Scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027, the project will allow the terminal to handle up to 144 liquid bulk operations a year.

Solid and liquid bulk operations currently share the terminal’s port infrastructure. Once the new dolphins — fixed marine structures used for vessel berthing and mooring — become operational, Porto Sudeste will have a dedicated area for crude oil and refined products, giving shipping schedules greater predictability.

The expansion comes as Brazilian oil production grows, particularly from the pre-salt fields. As additional volumes reach the market, demand is also increasing for port infrastructure, vessels and transshipment capacity capable of moving production more efficiently.

“This growth increases demand for infrastructure capable of making cargo flows more efficient and accommodating higher volumes,” Porto Sudeste CEO Jayme Nicolato said.

“Expanding Porto Sudeste’s capacity will help reduce logistics constraints and provide greater flexibility for companies involved in oil production, maritime transportation and the trading of crude oil and refined products.”

Location supports ship-to-ship operations

Porto Sudeste is located in the sheltered waters of Sepetiba Bay, where tidal variation is limited, providing favorable conditions for berthed ship-to-ship transfer operations, known as double banking.

Its proximity to the Santos Basin, Brazil’s main pre-salt production area, also positions the terminal as a logistics option for moving offshore oil production.

The new infrastructure will further expand oil handling at Porto Sudeste while strengthening Itaguaí’s role as a port and logistics hub.

Royalty rules also change

The expansion is taking place amid changes to Brazil’s regulatory framework.

ANP Resolution No. 1,007/2026 updated the rules governing the distribution of royalties to municipalities affected by oil and gas loading and unloading operations.

The new rules add another element to discussions over how revenues generated by those activities are distributed and how they affect municipalities hosting related infrastructure.

For Itaguaí, Porto Sudeste expects the additional port capacity to support companies operating in the segment and create opportunities for suppliers, service providers and logistics companies.

The terminal also expects greater infrastructure availability to improve the region’s ability to attract new businesses and support the local economy.

Source: Porto Sudeste

Sharing is caring!