The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), through the Directing Council of the Merchant Marine Fund (CDFMM), approved projects totaling R$ 6 billion in investments during the 62nd Ordinary Meeting, held this Wednesday (18). In total, 13 proposals were approved, with the potential to generate approximately 2.8 thousand direct jobs and enable 95 works in the naval sector.
Among the main approved projects is Porto Central, in Espírito Santo, focused on port infrastructure, with an investment of R$ 2.18 billion, contributing to expanding logistics capacity and strengthening the national port system.
Following that is the Petrobras project, which includes the construction of four vessels for transporting petroleum derivatives, with an investment of R$ 2.17 billion, being one of the largest contributions in the portfolio.
Another highlight is GDE Transportes Ltda., which provides for the construction of 35 vessels intended for fuel transport in the North region, with an investment of R$ 380.3 million. The initiative reinforces the role of waterway transport in supplying regions that depend on rivers for the arrival of essential goods.
The investments also include projects for the construction of maritime support vessels, inland waterway and cargo transport, as well as initiatives for maintenance, repair, modernization and expansion of shipyards in different states, such as Amazonas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
"We are talking about a portfolio of nearly R$ 6 billion that drives the naval industry, generates jobs and strengthens logistics infrastructure in different regions of Brazil. These investments help reduce inequalities, improve supply and expand national integration, especially in regions like the North, where waterway transport is essential for the population," said Minister Silvio Costa Filho.
According to the executive secretary of MPor and president of CDFMM, Tomé Franca, the approved projects reinforce the resumption of investments in the sector.
"The approved projects demonstrate increasingly structured action by the Fund, with a focus on works that increase logistics capacity, strengthen inland navigation and provide greater predictability to investments. This is fundamental for generating regional development and ensuring that the benefits reach the population," he highlighted.
Public policy and logistics development
The portfolio of approved projects brings together initiatives ranging from vessel construction to shipyard modernization and expansion of port infrastructure, contributing to organize the logistics chain and provide greater predictability to the sector.
For the national secretary of Waterways and Navigation, Otto Luiz Burlier, the set of investments demonstrates the advancement of public policy for the sector.
"The approved projects show a structured effort to strengthen inland navigation and the naval industry, with direct impact on the country's logistics capacity. We are advancing on an agenda that combines efficiency, safety and regional development, especially in areas where waterway transport is essential," he highlighted.
"Projects like Porto Central, in Espírito Santo, demonstrate the advancement of strategic port infrastructure investments, with the capacity to expand cargo movement, attract new businesses and strengthen the country's logistics integration. We are structuring a more modern and competitive environment for the Brazilian port sector," concluded national secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila.
Next CDFMM meeting already has a date set
The 63rd Ordinary Meeting of CDFMM will be held on June 18, 2026. Proposals for new projects may be submitted until April 20, 2026.
After approval, the enterprises will have up to 450 days to formalize the financing contract. This deadline may be extended by up to 180 days, totaling 630 days for its contracting with financial agents.
Source: https://www.gov.br/portos-e-aeroportos/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2026/03/fundo-da-marinha-mercante-aprova-r-6-bilhoes-em-projetos-para-o-setor-naval
