Brazil's coastal shipping grew 3% in the third quarter of 2026, driven by feeder cargo
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
- jornal portuarioCabotagem cresce 3% no terceiro trimestre do ano
- transporte modernoCabotagem cresce 3% no terceiro trimestre, puxada por cargas feeder
- jornal portuarioCabotagem cresce 3% no terceiro trimestre, puxada por cargas feeder
- porto senaviosCabotagem cresce 3% no terceiro trimestre, impulsionada pelo feeder
Coastal shipping in Brazil posted 3% growth in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Coastal Shipowners (ABAC). The increase was mainly driven by the transport of feeder cargo, that is, cargo originating from or bound for foreign trade and moved between Brazilian ports, which grew 8.2% and reached 245,467 TEU.
Domestic cargo decline and Mercosur growth
By contrast, domestic cargo transport saw a slight decline of 1.9%, totaling 235,105 TEU. Meanwhile, Mercosur cargo flow grew 14%, reaching 41,762 TEU, although it still represents a smaller share of the total volume moved.
Consolidated results of Brazilian shipping companies
Taking into account the combined operations of Brazilian Shipping Companies (EBNs), the volume transported reached 522,334 TEU in the third quarter, representing an overall increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2025.
ABAC statements
According to ABAC's executive director, Luis Resano, the performance of feeder cargo reinforces the strategic role of coastal shipping in national logistics, as the connection between Brazilian ports and major international routes expands the reach of foreign trade and contributes to a more competitive logistics operation.
Outlook for the year
The association projects closing 2026 once again with growth of around 10%, according to data released by ABAC.
