The construction of 40 barges in São Paulo, naval modernization in Rio de Janeiro, and a port terminal in Espírito Santo are among the 55 projects in the Southeast approved at the 64th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM), held on October 8. The initiatives total BRL 2.29 billion and are expected to generate 1,700 direct jobs.
The portfolio also includes services on 14 vessels and support and drilling units, the modernization of the Estaleiro Aliança in Niterói, and port infrastructure in Aracruz.
The initiatives in the region meet the demands of cellulose-related transport, port handling, and oil and gas operations. The execution involves shipyards and companies specialized in naval construction, maintenance, and modernization.
The largest amount, BRL 1.119 billion, corresponds to the Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz project in Espírito Santo. The undertaking foresees 750 meters of quay and a depth of 17 meters in the access channel, berths, and maneuvering basin.
The structure was designed to receive container ships up to 366 meters long. The proposal reports 243 direct jobs and an execution period of 18 months.
In Rio de Janeiro, 15 projects total BRL 1.02 billion. Among them is the modernization of Estaleiro Aliança, in Niterói, with BRL 288.9 million, an estimated 345 direct jobs, and an execution period of 24 months.
The proposal includes dredging, expansion of quays, installation of equipment, and adaptation of operational and administrative areas. The interventions will allow for the expansion of services provided to the oil and gas, maritime support, and naval repair markets.
Two Commodore Marine projects total BRL 532.3 million. BRL 229.4 million will be allocated to the modernization of the drillship Carolina and BRL 302.9 million to the semi-submersible drilling unit Victoria.
The interventions prepare the units for contracts with Petrobras, with activities planned in Guanabara Bay. The Carolina project will have 220 direct jobs and a five-month term. For Victoria, there are 250 direct jobs and seven months of execution.
GranEnergia had BRL 104.5 million approved for dry-docking, repairs, and maintenance of the CSS Venus. The compact semi-submersible unit offers accommodation and support for oil platform workers. The project foresees 50 direct jobs and a nine-month term.
Camorim will have BRL 11 million for the maintenance, repair, and dry-docking of four vessels in Niterói. The proposal brings together completed services and interventions to be carried out, aimed at the safety and operational continuity of the fleet.
Three OceanPact projects total BRL 81.9 million and cover six vessels. Services include maintenance and repair of units used in oil spill response, as well as modernization of maritime support vessels. According to the documentation presented, these interventions have already been completed.
In São Paulo, BRL 155.8 million was approved for the construction of 40 barges for MSFC Florestal, a company responsible for the partial supply of wood to Bracell's cellulose factory in the state.
The production will be carried out at the Rio Maguari shipyard unit in Araçatuba, with an estimated 66 direct jobs and an execution period of 20 months. Each barge will have holds with a volume of 2,406 cubic meters and will integrate convoys composed of a tugboat and four barges.
The ownership of the units will be by MSFC Florestal, while navigation operations will be contracted from another company.
With support for vessel construction, shipyard modernization, and port infrastructure, the Merchant Marine Fund contributes to expanding transport capacity and improving the conditions of waterway operations.
