Brazil has added another element to its ongoing privatisation plans by announcing that it intends to auction off 35 terminals.
The news comes a day after it was reported that MSC wholly-owned subsidiary, SAS Shipping Agencies Services, had agreed to acquire a 56.47% stake in port operator Wilson Sons for a total cash consideration of 4.3 billion Brazilian real.
The latest development marks a significant step in the country’s broader strategy to modernise and enhance its port infrastructure through private investment, aiming to boost efficiency and competitiveness in global trade.
As part of the fast-tracked sell-off scheme, 22 terminals are expected to be auctioned between now and the end of 2025.
Three of these auctions are set to take place before the close of this year. Notably, two major assets are included in these sales: a new terminal at Itaguaí and a container terminal at the Port of Santos, Brazil’s largest and most important port.
These auctions are anticipated to attract substantial interest from international and domestic investors, further integrating Brazil into the global logistics chain.
The Brazilian ports sector has witnessed rapid transformation in recent months. In August, CMA CGM purchased a 48% stake in terminal operator Santos Brasil, underscoring the growing interest of global players in the country’s port infrastructure.
Along with the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s move into SAS, these acquisitions signal a growing appetite among international firms for a presence in Brazil's ports, as they look to capitalise on the country’s expanding trade networks.
This wave of privatisations and acquisitions is expected to bring significant investments into Brazil’s port infrastructure, which has long faced criticism for inefficiencies and underinvestment. The government’s strategy is not only to raise capital through the auctions but also to encourage innovation, improve operational standards, and reduce logistics costs for exporters and importers.
As the privatisation process progresses, the landscape of Brazil’s maritime sector is set to undergo profound changes, with far-reaching implications for both domestic and international trade. Investors and industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the upcoming auctions and their impact on the country’s economic development.
