On 29 April the Port of Rotterdam Authority and TPK (Terminal Presidente Kennedy) Logistica signed a joint venture agreement in Vitória, Brazil for the development of Porto Central, a new port in Brazil. TPK Logistica is owned by a group of Brazilian companies with a wealth of experience in the mining, construction and offshore sectors.

As part of an ongoing joint venture with the Sultanate of Oman, the Port of Rotterdam has had an integral role in the exponential growth SOHAR Port and Freezone has witnessed during the last decade.

The port of Rotterdam’s main role in the development of the new port will be providing extensive expertise and knowledge in the field of port development, similar to the role it undertakes at SOHAR. An investment decision will not be made until a later stage.

The ‘greenfield’ port will be built in the southernmost part of the state of Espirito Santo in the industrial heart of Brazil. It will be an industrial deep sea port for the handling of oil, gas, dry bulk, containers and general cargo. The port will also serve as a support centre for the strongly growing offshore sector. The already existing market interest will be specified and the required permits will be obtained in the near future.

This latest development will further help endorse SOHAR’s global reach further. Through the partnership and work with Rotterdam there is greater opportunity for recognition on the world stage and attract companies from across the globe.

Approximately 30 million tonnes of cargo is transported yearly between Brazil and the Port of Rotterdam, with iron ore the major cargo type – making the Port of Rotterdam the most important European port for Brazil.

With its natural riches and aged port infrastructure, the country offers great potential for port development. The Port Authority has been operating in Brazil since 2010, when it was asked by the Brazilian government to advise on a strategic study into remodelling the Brazilian port sector, which consists of 34 public ports along the 8,000-kilometre coastline. The Port Authority has had its own office in São Paulo since 2012, but will continue to provide intensive support for the joint venture in Vitória from Rotterdam as well. Four Port Authority employees currently work in Brazil.