• 6 min de lectura
• 6 min de lectura
The implementation of Phase 1 of Porto Central is advancing in Presidente Kennedy, in the state of Espírito Santo, with different work fronts aimed at preparing the area and installing the necessary infrastructure for the construction of the project's first terminal.
Since the beginning of the works, tasks have included land preparation, enabling internal roads, water supply and electricity systems, as well as the installation of support structures and equipment for construction.
Currently, these activities are developed in an integrated manner and support the implementation of Porto Central's first terminal, a deep-water liquid bulk terminal for ship-to-ship (STS) oil transshipment operations.
One of the first major stages of Phase 1 was the preparation of the area designated for port infrastructure, comprising approximately 65 hectares.
Following initial vegetation clearing, leveling and earthmoving work was carried out, including excavations, cuts, and fills defined according to the elevations and specifications established in the engineering designs.
The land adaptation lays the groundwork for the installation of the structures contemplated in the project and considers their integration with roads, drainage systems, utility networks, and other components of the undertaking.
In parallel, support structures for the progress of the works were implemented, including the operational camp, internal roads and accesses for the circulation of equipment and vehicles, water supply and electricity systems, as well as a Concrete Batching Plant.
The accesses used between the quarry and Porto Central were also intervened to accommodate the transport of materials, through widenings, signage, fencing, and adaptations for heavy vehicle traffic.
One of the main activities currently underway is the preparation of materials to be used in the construction of the South Breakwater.
The rocks are produced in a dedicated quarry located approximately 27 kilometers from Porto Central. The material is continuously transported to the port area, where stockpiles are formed for the execution of the structure.
The anticipated formation of these stockpiles aims to ensure continuous material availability during construction and reduce the risk of supply interruptions.
Porto Central also has a Concrete Batching Plant installed in the construction area, which will support the production of the concrete elements necessary for the South Breakwater and other structures contemplated in Phase 1.
In this way, the production, transport, and storage of materials, along with concrete manufacturing, form a logistical chain prepared to accompany the progress of the project's construction.
Phase 1 includes the implementation of Porto Central's first terminal, intended for ship-to-ship oil transshipment operations.
The project considers up to four berths for oil operations, with a depth of up to 23 meters and capacity to receive VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) vessels, which can transport approximately 2 million barrels of oil.
The infrastructure was designed to support the flow of Brazilian oil production to international markets, allowing lightering vessels to transfer their cargo to larger vessels in a protected port area.
Porto Central already has contracts signed with companies in the sector, including Petrobras, Equinor, CNOOC, and Repsol Sinopec.
Phase 1 involves an investment of approximately R$2.6 billion and is expected to be completed within the next two years, when the first operations of Porto Central are planned.
In 2026, the project also advanced in structuring its financing, with the approval of funds from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM). The contracting of financing is currently in the process of being structured with financial institutions.
With the progress of construction, worker mobilization will gradually increase. From 2027, the period of greatest concentration of Phase 1 activities is planned, with an estimated up to 1,295 direct workers during the peak of the works and priority for hiring local labor.
The training of professionals in the area is already underway. Since 2025, a partnership between Porto Central and Ifes Campus Presidente Kennedy has conducted three training courses, with 68 people trained, including construction workers and residents of the municipalities in the area of influence.
In August 2026, the partnership also advanced with the opening of the technical course in Logistics at Ifes in Presidente Kennedy, expanding professional training opportunities linked to the activities expected to grow in the region from the development of the port complex.
The progress of the works is carried out in parallel with the execution of the environmental and socio-environmental programs contemplated in the federal licensing process conducted by Ibama.
Actions include monitoring and protection of fauna and flora, water resources, marine environment, traffic, fishing, social communication, environmental education, and socioeconomic monitoring.
Among the results recorded is the planting of more than 56 thousand specimens, contributing to the recovery of approximately 37 hectares. The goal of the forest compensation program is to reach about 100 thousand plants during Phase 1.
The plants used in these actions are produced in Porto Central's own nursery, following the criteria established in the Flora Protection Program.
The project also maintains environmental education actions and dialogue with communities and institutions in the area of influence, including traditional communities. Among the compensation measures related to the project's impacts is the Fisheries Activity Compensation Plan, currently in the negotiation process.
Phase 1 represents the first stage of implementation of Porto Central, conceived as a multipurpose and deep-water industrial port complex.
The master plan contemplates an area of approximately 2,000 hectares, a depth of up to 25 meters, and the potential to have 54 berths for different terminals and productive chains.
In addition to liquid bulk, long-term planning includes operations with solid bulk, natural gas, containers, and general cargo, along with fuel storage facilities, ship bunkering, offshore services, shipyards, power generation, and industrial areas.
The project also contemplates future road, rail, and pipeline connections, expanding the integration of the complex with producing hubs and consumer markets.
With the implementation of Phase 1, Porto Central begins the construction of the infrastructure that will give rise to the port complex projected for Presidente Kennedy, laying the groundwork for the future expansion of its operations and the integration of different productive chains.
