The shipbuilding industry in the State of Bahia, Brazil, is experiencing a new growth cycle, driven by more than R$8.5 billion (USD 1.555 billion) in financing approved between 2023 and 2025 by the Merchant Marine Fund Administration Council (CDFMM), under the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor).
The projects cover various types of vessels, with special attention to maritime and offshore support units, essential for logistical, energy, and environmental protection operations, such as RSVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle Support Vessels) and OSRVs (Oil Spill Response Vessels). Initiatives focused on river cargo transport, such as tugboats, barges, and pusher tugs, as well as the modernization of Bahia’s shipbuilding industry production facilities, were also accepted.
“The Merchant Marine Fund plays an essential role in modernizing logistics infrastructure and strengthening the national industry. In Bahia, we are talking about investments that generate jobs, boost the local economy, and reposition the state as a leading player in shipbuilding in Brazil,” stated the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.
The Enseada do Paraguaçu Shipyard in Maragogipe, Bahia, recorded the largest volume of approved investments during the period, totaling R$8.4 billion. The facility, which was restructured in recent years, is once again operating as a private port and logistics center for the shipbuilding and offshore industries, with the prospect of also serving the renewable energy sector.
Of the amounts approved by the FMM for Bahia, R$912.9 million have already been contracted with BNDES, the fund’s financial agent. Some of these projects are already underway, such as that of LHG Logística Ltda., which includes the construction of 80 mineral barges and four river pusher tugs. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 2,000 direct jobs. Of this total contracted amount, R$118.6 million has already been released for construction.
Another highlight is the modernization of the Belov Shipyard, in Simões Filho (BA), which has financing of R$ 73.6 million to expand its industrial capacity and operational safety with an estimate of 550 direct jobs.
