Porto Meridional Will Begin Construction in 2025 and Promises to Transform Arroio do Sal with the Largest Investment in the History of Rio Grande do Sul.
The municipality of Arroio do Sal, on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul, has taken a decisive step to consolidate one of the largest logistics ventures in the state: the Porto Meridional.
Last Tuesday (27), Governor Eduardo Leite signed the Public Utility Decree (DUP) for the area where the port will be built, officially authorizing the start of the procedures for the works, scheduled to begin in 2025.
With a private investment of R$ 1.3 billion, the project represents the largest port initiative in the history of RS, promising to transform the region’s economy.
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Decree Guarantees Legal Security for the Advancement of Porto Meridional Works
The state decree, signed at a ceremony at the Palácio Piratini, is seen as a milestone for the project.
The measure recognizes the public utility of the area in Jardim Oliva, where Porto Meridional will be established, allowing Porto Meridional Participações S/A to advance with the technical and legal processes to enable the start of the works next year.

In attendance were the mayor of Arroio do Sal, Luciano Pinto, state deputy Issur Koch, president of the Parliamentary Front in Support of Porto Meridional, as well as councilors and business leaders.
“We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in the history of Arroio do Sal and also in the history of Rio Grande do Sul. As mayor, I feel honored to participate in this achievement that will bring so much development to our municipality. Now, after uniting forces at all levels, we will advance toward a new reality, with more jobs and opportunities for the entire population. I thank the governor for recognizing the importance of this undertaking,” declared Mayor Luciano.
Porto Meridional Will Be the Largest Investment in the History of RS
According to the municipal administration, Porto Meridional is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs and up to 5,000 indirect jobs, strengthening the flow of regional production and boosting urban development in Arroio do Sal and its surroundings.
The strategic location, near BR-101, offers logistical advantages that could enhance the competitiveness of the state in the transportation sector.
“The implementation of Porto Meridional represents the largest investment in the history of Rio Grande do Sul and promises to transform the logistical infrastructure of the northern coast and the entire state,” emphasized the official note from the city hall.
The project still depends on the issuance of environmental licenses by Ibama, which is currently in the final stages of processing.
The expectation is that the documents will be released by the end of 2024, enabling the effective start of the works.
Governor Eduardo Leite highlighted the balance between development and sustainability: “With the decree, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development and the modernization of logistics in the State. By declaring the works necessary for the implementation of Porto Meridional as public utility, we ensure legal security and speed to an investment that will bring positive and lasting impacts to Rio Grande do Sul, fully respecting the legislation and environmental care,” he stated.
Political Support and National Articulation
Mayor Luciano Pinto has been coordinating support on various fronts to ensure the implementation of the project.
In the week prior to the signing of the decree, he was in Brasília for a meeting with the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.
On Monday (26), he welcomed the idealizer of Porto Meridional, Fernando Carrion, at the city hall to align the next steps.
The project is part of the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development Plan of RS and promises to be a strategic lever for the modernization of Rio Grande do Sul’s logistics matrix.
Expected to be operational by 2028, Porto Meridional positions Arroio do Sal as a new logistics hub for the country, attracting national and international attention to the region.
Government of Rio Grande do Sul
