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BNDES Azul Finances R$ 331 Million to Modernize Tecon Rio Grande and Enhance Efficiency of Container Terminal
What will change at the Tecon Rio Grande? Who is financing the works? When and where will they start? How will the funds be applied and why is this modernization considered strategic for the South of the country?
These questions guide the announcement made this week about the port modernization of the main container terminal in Rio Grande do Sul, which will receive funding of R$ 331 million through BNDES Azul.
The investment, approved by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development, will be applied in the municipality of Rio Grande, in the extreme south of the state, to increase operational capacity, reduce logistical costs, and strengthen the port’s role as a gateway for cargo to and from the Southern Cone.
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Robust Investment Boosts Port Modernization in the South
The financing integrates resources from the Merchant Marine Fund, a federal mechanism aimed at developing the naval and port sectors.
According to BNDES, the amount will allow for dredging works, complete automation of the dock, and the acquisition of new large equipment.
Among the planned items are new container cranes, responsible for moving containers between ships and the dock, RTGs (rubber-tired gantry cranes), and electric tractors, enhancing not only efficiency but also decarbonization initiatives within the terminal.
How Tecon Rio Grande Will Be Modernized
The modernization of the container terminal will be executed by Tecon Rio Grande S/A, a company of the Wilson Sons group that manages the area.
The focus of the renewal is to adapt the port to accommodate larger ships, meet growing demands, and improve internal flows.
Dredging will deepen navigable areas, allowing vessels with greater drafts to dock. The automation of the dock is expected to enhance safety and reduce operational bottlenecks, while the new equipment will decrease cargo handling time.
Logistical Impact: Increased Efficiency and Cost Reduction
According to BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante, modernization will have immediate effects on port performance.
“The modernization should reduce the time ships spend in port and, consequently, operational costs,” he stated.
Additionally, Mercadante highlighted that the project has the potential to “boost development and exports in the Southern Region,” enhancing business competitiveness and Brazil’s ability to integrate with neighboring markets like Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Tecon Rio Grande: The Only Exclusive Container Terminal in RS
Tecon Rio Grande is the only terminal dedicated exclusively to container handling in Rio Grande do Sul.
Currently, it operates with an annual capacity of 1.42 million TEUs (20-foot containers). The infrastructure improvement is expected to expand operational efficiency without necessarily requiring an increase in physical space.
The new phase of the project also consolidates the port as one of the main logistical hubs in the southern region, expanding routes and attracting new shipping lines.
BNDES Azul: Blue Economy and Decarbonization in the Port Sector
The financing is linked to BNDES Azul, a program launched in January 2024 to stimulate initiatives in the so-called “blue economy.”
Moreover, this concept encompasses projects focused on the sustainable use of marine resources, strengthening both port infrastructure and actions for the decarbonization of the naval fleet.
In this context, the adoption of electric tractors and automated systems at Tecon Rio Grande reinforces the alignment between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Port Modernization Strengthens the Strategic Position of Rio Grande do Sul
With the execution of the works, the terminal increases its ability to compete internationally, improves logistical timelines, and raises the technological standards of operations.
For the productive chains in Rio Grande do Sul such as agribusiness, industry, and mining, modernization represents agility in loading and unloading, greater predictability, and lower costs.
Thus, the investment financed by the Merchant Marine Fund not only transforms Tecon Rio Grande but also contributes to enhancing the export competitiveness of southern Brazil.
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