With more than seven thousand kilometers of coastline, a strategic location among the American, European and African continents, and one of the largest hydrographic networks in the world, Brazil stands out as an important player in the global scenario and a relevant point of passage for maritime trade routes. Added to this is the high international relevance of the Brazilian oil and gas industry and its capacity to produce and supply commodities such as soybeans, corn, iron ore and oil.
In this context, Brazil's shipping sector is essential to the country's foreign trade and economic growth, with approximately 90% of exports and imports carried out by sea. In recent years, the sector has received even more public and private investment, focused on modernizing infrastructure, increasing cargo capacity and reducing operating costs. New technologies are being implemented, such as the automation of port terminals and the use of digital systems to improve operational efficiency.
The country also has a vast network of public ports and private use terminals (TUPs) that play essential roles in export and import logistics. In recent years, a movement to privatize public ports began, with the aim of modernizing and increasing operational efficiency. However, that process was halted and public ports continue to face challenges of efficiency and resource availability to meet growing demand. As a result, Brazil continues to offer excellent investment opportunities in private use terminals (TUPs).
Continued global demand for commodities keeps Brazilian ports busy. In this context, the offshore oil and gas segment in Brazil stands out as one of the most important in the world, driven by the exploration of pre-salt oil. Shipping companies operating in offshore support, with offshore support vessels, FPSOs and drilling rigs, are essential to this scenario, with demand for specialized vessels remaining high, especially in activities related to oil exploration and production in deep and ultra-deep waters.
Cabotage shipping has been gaining relevance, with government incentives to foster the sector as an alternative to road transport. In 2022, Law 14.301/2022 was enacted, establishing the "BR do Mar" program, which aims to reduce cabotage costs, increase the national fleet and attract investment. Cabotage emerges as an effective internal logistics solution for the country, given its continental dimensions.
Finally, the global shipping sector is increasingly under pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and Brazil is no exception. Issues such as fleet decarbonization, emissions reduction and the environmental management of ports and terminals are central themes in the national debate. Companies have invested in new technologies, such as the use of alternative fuels and more efficient vessels. At the same time, there is greater environmental oversight and regulation to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystem.
