DP World and Brazilian railway operator to build new terminal at Santos

05.04.2024

DP World has joined forces with Brazilian railway operator Rumo to build a new terminal at the Port of Santos to handle 12.5 million tonnes of grains and fertilizers per year.

The total investment for the construction of this state-of-the-art facility, according to Rumo's estimations, reaches US$500 million, which will be financed through a combination of Rumo's resources, loans, and potential partnerships.

This is in addition to recent investments in DP World container handling facilities increasing capacity from 1.2 million to 1.4 million TEUs, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100 to 1,300 metres.

Once complete the new terminal will handle 9 million tonnes of grains and 3.5 million tonnes of fertilizers a year. With construction expected to take 30 months, all other services including container handling at Santos will continue, with no impact on container handling operations, according to DP World's statement.

Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area, located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos, to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country.

The new terminal marks DP World’s fourth round of investment since operations began in Brazil in 2013. It comes at a time when the port achieved record cargo movements in January, handling 11.9 million tonnes of cargo. Bulk solids, such as sugar and soy, accounted for 5 million tonnes, up 13.9% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Port of Santos.

"This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders," pointed out Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos.

In line with DP World's global decarbonisation strategy, the new terminal will be equipped with 21 new pieces of equipment, featuring advanced technology to reduce consumption and emissions of polluting gases. Meanwhile, DP World began the process of electrifying its Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Santos in 2023.

DP World has already invested US$35 million in 2023 to expand and modernise its facilities at the Brazilian port with the terminal currently inhabiting 845,000 m², with an additional 130,000 m² available for expansion.