The Ministry of Ports and Airports of Brazil and the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) will hold on February 26, at B3, in São Paulo, the first block of port auctions for 2026. With total investments of R$ 229 million (USD 41.22 million), the four terminals that make up the block are located in Macapá (AP), Natal (RN), Porto Alegre (RS), and Recife (PE). These ports handle the movement of grains, bulk cargo, minerals, and passengers, and the process with the detailing of the projects has already been forwarded by the National Ports Secretariat to Antaq.
“We are continuing the largest port concessions program, with the auction of important terminals from the North, South, and Northeast regions. In addition to strengthening the port sector, expanding operational capacity and efficiency, we are maintaining the purpose of decentralizing and promoting regional development,” stated Minister Silvio Costa Filho when announcing the new auction.
The official highlighted that, since 2023, President Lula’s government has already carried out 26 auctions in the port sector, totaling R$ 15.5 billion (USD 2.79 billion) in investments.
“This first block of port auctions for 2026 reflects a long-term vision for Brazilian waterway infrastructure. Antaq works to ensure a safe and efficient regulatory environment that stimulates investments, expands port capacity, and brings more dynamism to national logistics. These are projects that strengthen regional integration and transform infrastructure into development,” said the General Director of Antaq, Frederico Dias.
The National Ports Secretary, Alex Ávilla, drew attention to the diversity of cargo handled at these ports, which concentrate the transport of grains, bulk cargo, minerals, and passengers. “This will be the first auction of 2026, but the Secretariat is already working on other auctions, such as the container terminal at the Port of Santos, Tecon Santos 10, which was approved by the TCU and will be auctioned in March,” stated the secretary, anticipating a roadshow in January to present the projects to interested parties.
TMP Recife
The passenger terminal in Recife (PE) has forecast investments of R$ 2.3 million (USD 0.41 million) and a concession term of 25 years. The Recife terminal, together with those in Fortaleza (CE), Maceió, and Salvador (BA), should strengthen an integrated Northeastern cruise circuit, reinforcing the region’s natural vocation for tourism.
MCP01
The Port of Santana plays an important role in the state of Amapá and in the Northern region, especially intended for the outflow of grain production from the region and wood chips. The forecast investment is R$ 150.20 million (USD 27.04 million) with a concession period of 25 years.
POA26
For POA26, located in the Polygon of the Organized Port of Porto Alegre (RS), R$ 21.13 million (USD 3.80 million) are forecast for the lease of the area, intended for the movement and storage of solid bulk, with a concession term of 10 years. The POA26 auction will contribute to the modernization of ports in the South of the country.
NAT01
Intended for the outflow of mineral bulk, especially iron ore, the terminal located in Natal (RN) has forecast investments of R$ 55.17 million (USD 9.93 million) and a concession term of 15 years. Together with other ports in the region, it reinforces port activity in the Northeast.
