Sustainability is one of the main axes of modernization for Brazilian ports. In different regions of the country, investments in equipment electrification, shore power supply for berthed vessels, renewable energy generation, and low-carbon fuels are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making port operations more efficient, competitive, and aligned with energy transition goals.
These initiatives are part of the national port infrastructure modernization strategy, combining technological innovation, logistical efficiency, and environmental responsibility. In addition to contributing to climate change mitigation, these actions strengthen Brazil's integration into global trade chains, which are increasingly guided by sustainability criteria.
In the Northeast, the Industrial Port Complex of Suape (PE) houses the first 100% electric container terminal in Latin America. The project brings together electrified equipment, operational automation, and integrated digital infrastructure, allowing for a 55% increase in the complex's logistical capacity while reducing carbon emissions from operations.
At the Port of Santos, in São Paulo, the implementation of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system allows berthed vessels to be supplied with electricity from shore, eliminating the need for diesel-powered engines while at the quay. Since 2024, the energy supplied by the Itatinga Hydroelectric Plant has contributed to reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions associated with port operations.
In Paranaguá, Paraná, investments in rail logistics and solar energy generation increase operational efficiency with less environmental impact. The completion of the Moegão is expected to increase the share of rail transport in cargo handling, while photovoltaic systems installed in terminals reduce energy consumption from conventional sources.
In Ceará, the Pecém Complex is advancing in consolidating a green hydrogen hub and developing projects aimed at green ammonia production, reinforcing Brazil's potential to lead the production and export of clean fuels.
Meanwhile, the Port of Açu, in Rio de Janeiro, is developing projects aimed at creating a green corridor for low-carbon fuels and hydrogen production, expanding the port sector's contribution to the decarbonization of national industry and logistics.
By incorporating sustainable solutions into operations, Brazilian ports increase their efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint of port activity, and strengthen the country's competitiveness in international trade. The transition to a cleaner and more innovative infrastructure consolidates the sector as a protagonist of sustainable development and the logistics of the future.
