The Port of Cabedelo, in Paraíba, will have more resources for dredging and rock removal works in the internal access channel and the turning basin. This Friday (23), the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, signed an addendum of R$ 6.7 million to Commitment Term No. 003/2026, aimed at adapting the port infrastructure to receive larger vessels. With the update, the total investment increases from R$ 64.45 million to R$ 71.15 million.
Of this amount, R$ 44.45 million comes from the Federal Government and R$ 26.70 million corresponds to the counterpart from the Government of the State of Paraíba. The commitment term was signed between the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and Companhia Docas da Paraíba, with the intervention of the state government.
The project foresees the expansion of the turning basin diameter from 330 to 450 meters, an area used for vessel maneuvers. Currently, the structure allows the operation of ships up to 210 meters in length. After the completion of the interventions, the port will be able to receive vessels up to 330 meters, including cruise ships.
In addition to improving operational conditions and expanding the port's service capacity, the works are expected to create new opportunities for the Paraíba economy. The possibility of receiving larger vessels could benefit both cargo handling and tourism, with the inclusion of the Port of Cabedelo in maritime cruise routes.
"The Brazilian government is investing more than R$ 70 million in this project in partnership with the state government, a union that has brought development, modernization, and greater efficiency to the Port of Cabedelo, an important engine of economic and social development for the state of Paraíba," highlighted the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca.
The governor of Paraíba, Lucas Ribeiro, also emphasized the potential of the intervention to strengthen tourism in the state. "From this dredging of the turning basin, which is where the ship maneuvers to return to the open sea, this will allow us to receive tourist cruises here, that is, it will be a very big leap for Paraíba tourism, which will positively impact our state," he stated.
The mayor of Cabedelo, Evilásio Cavalcanti, highlighted the importance of articulation between the different spheres of government for the development of the municipality. For him, the investments in the port represent an opportunity to strengthen local tourist activity and expand the benefits of port infrastructure for the city. "This revitalization will bring us more muscle for the tourism of our city, further strengthening the tourism of our Paraíba," highlighted the mayor.
Work Stages
The increase in resources results from the application of the readjustment clauses provided for in the bidding notice, considering the update of the values of the preliminary project prepared in April 2025 by the National Institute of Waterway Research (INPH). The measure seeks to ensure the economic-financial balance of the contract and the execution of the planned interventions.
The contracting process advanced in September 2026, with the conclusion of the bidding that defined DTA Engenharia Ltda. as the winning company. The interventions include the adaptation of the internal access channel and the widening of the turning basin, through dredging services, which consist of removing sediments from the bottom, and rock removal, aimed at removing rocky materials that hinder navigation.
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, highlighted that the intervention continues the investments made to improve navigation conditions in the Port of Cabedelo. According to him, the expansion of the turning basin complements the previous stage of deepening the draft, executed with state resources. "We are here complementing this first stage of dredging, which deepened our draft from 9 to 11 meters, but without the turning basin, we would, for example, not be able to receive the cruise ships that will, in fact, help to follow this great evolution we have had in tourism in our state," he stated.
According to the planning presented by the National Secretariat of Ports, the elaboration of the basic and executive projects is scheduled to begin in November 2026. The schedule foresees the start of interventions in March 2027, with estimated completion in July of the same year.
Infrastructure Modernization
The expansion of the turning basin seeks to adapt the infrastructure to operational needs and expand the conditions of access and maneuvering for larger vessels. For the CEO of Companhia Docas da Paraíba, Raniere Barbosa, the intervention should increase the commercial possibilities of the Port of Cabedelo. The adaptation of the infrastructure will allow seeking new operations and strengthening the terminal's participation in the logistical chains served by the port complex. "We are preparing the Port of Cabedelo to receive larger ships, expand its operational capacity, acquire new cargo, and widen maritime routes for new commercial and tourist routes," he stated.
In addition to the dredging and rock removal works, the extension of the port's protective breakwater is planned, with an estimated investment of R$ 40.43 million. Of this total, R$ 30.43 million corresponds to federal resources and R$ 10 million to the state counterpart. The intervention aims to increase the stability of the access channel and reduce silting, contributing to the maintenance of navigability conditions.
Together, the two projects total approximately R$ 111.6 million in investments planned for the improvement of port infrastructure, focusing on expanding operational capacity and navigation efficiency.
Cargo Movement
Located on the Paraíba coast, the Port of Cabedelo plays an important role in the supply and movement of goods in the state. Among the main cargoes operated are petroleum derivatives, petroleum coke, wheat, and malt.
In 2025, port movement reached approximately 1.19 million tons. In the first two months of 2026, about 240 thousand tons were moved, an increase of 86.07% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Currently, the port has six active lease agreements related to the movement and storage of liquid and solid bulk. Investments in maritime access infrastructure seek to expand the operating conditions of the port complex and adapt its facilities to receive larger vessels.
