By Brazil Stock Guide – Brazil’s national development bank, BNDES, approved R$331 million in financing for Tecon Rio Grande, a fully owned unit of Wilson Sons (PORT3), to modernize its container terminal in Rio Grande, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.
According to the bank, the resources from the Merchant Marine Fund will support quay automation, equipment upgrades and dredging works. The investment package includes new ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, electric terminal tractors, trailers, charging stations, small forklifts and two scanners.
The modernization aligns with growing throughput at the terminal, which saw a 45% year-over-year increase in container movement and a 233% surge in transshipment volume in December 2024.
BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante said the improvements will enhance reliability and reduce ship turnaround times. “With the support of BNDES the terminal will improve its efficiency and operational reliability, reducing the time ships remain in port and, as a consequence, lowering delay-related costs. This will help consolidate Tecon Rio Grande as an international trade hub for the Southern Cone, attracting investments to the economic development of southern Brazil, a priority for President Lula,” he said.
Tecon Rio Grande is the only dedicated container terminal in Rio Grande do Sul, operating 735,000 square meters of yard area, 900 meters of quay, three berths and a 15-meter draft. Its annual capacity reaches 1.42 million TEUs, supported by nine STS cranes, 22 RTGs and 2,800 reefer plugs.
The financing also fits within the BNDES Azul program, launched in January 2024 to accelerate Brazil’s “blue economy” through maritime spatial planning, fleet decarbonization and port infrastructure. The initiative covers sectors including fisheries, tourism, maritime and river transport, oil exploration, bioenergy and environmental preservation.
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