Brazil Boosts Port Infrastructure with Legal Certainty and Project Portfolio

The Minister of Ports and Airports of Brazil, Tomé Franca, highlighted the combination of legal certainty, market confidence, and quality in project structuring as factors that have contributed to the advancement of national infrastructure. The statement was made in Santos, during the inauguration of the Port-Industry Connection Forum, promoted by Record Litoral e Vale, in collaboration with Record News, which brought together representatives from the port, logistics, and industrial sectors to analyze costs in Brazil and ways to expand the capacity of the Port of Santos.

"Brazil is experiencing a great moment in its infrastructure, which I attribute to three fundamental pillars. First, the country enjoys prestige in both the national and international markets. Second, we have legal certainty. Those who invest in Brazil know that they can do so with clear rules. And third, we have developed and consolidated a very well-structured project portfolio, with the support of Infra SA, capable of attracting market interest," the minister declared.

In an event held in the city that hosts the largest port in Latin America, the minister mentioned that the Port of Santos handled 92.8 million tons in the first half of 2026 and that, to meet all this demand, the ministry (MPor) has been working on an agenda that includes expanding capacity, improving operational efficiency, and integrating different modes of transport.

In this regard, the Tecon Santos 10 project occupies a central position on Brazil's port agenda, as it could increase the terminal's container handling capacity by approximately 50%. With an approximate area of 620,000 square meters, the future terminal includes a quay of approximately 1,505 meters, new loading and unloading areas, dredging for deepening, the acquisition of 11 port cranes, a traffic regulation zone, automated gates, and a secondary railway line.

The project was also among the topics presented by the minister during the Ministry's recent mission to China and Singapore. In meetings with companies of different profiles, Tomé Franca noted interest in Tecon Santos 10 and other projects in the portfolio of auctions.

Another priority aspect is the modernization of the access channel, with measures that allow the operation of larger vessels and expand the logistical capacity of the complex. The plan also includes the modernization of the internal railway of the Port of Santos, the implementation of the VTMIS (Vessel Traffic Management Information System), the renovation of the Barnabé Island pier, and the second phase of the Perimetral Avenue on the left bank.

During the forum, the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Port-Industry Connection Forum for the analysis of the country's infrastructure. "A port is a set of assets and elements. It's not just about having water or available quays. Cargo must arrive, there must be access, and it must leave in good condition. In other words, it needs infrastructure. Therefore, it is essential that we prioritize the planning of our port infrastructure, and in this sense, initiatives like this are very important," he affirmed.

The need for planning was also emphasized by the National Secretary of Waterways, Otto Luiz Burlier, who participated in the debates. According to him, the expansion of river transport must consider not only cargo movement but also the effects of inland navigation on territorial integration.

"Regarding river transport, the agenda for inland navigation in Brazil must be a priority in discussions. This will drive development, improve public safety, and expand access to services. We must do it in a planned and predictable way for those who need it. Therefore, it is important that we work with medium and long-term planning," Burlier explained.

The forum's program was divided into two panels. The first analyzed operational efficiency as an immediate lever to increase the capacity of the Port of Santos. The second addressed infrastructure expansion as a structural path for the port complex. The program brought together authorities, private sector representatives, experts, and members of entities linked to foreign trade and logistics.

The Executive Director of TV Record Litoral e Vale, João Batista Rodrigues, highlighted the importance of bringing together different sectors to discuss the challenges of infrastructure and industry in Santos. "This is the fifth year of our Forum, and for us, it is a pleasure to have Minister Tomé Franca present today, which greatly honors us. For us, an event like this is important to discuss relevant issues related to industry and, at the same time, to the port sector, since we are in the city of Santos, which hosts the largest port in Latin America," he stated.