Merchant Marine Fund backs port projects with financing

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 18, 2026

Financing Transport announced Santos, Brazil Feb 18, 2026

BRL5.1B

Deal Value

Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund approved nine projects aimed at expanding and modernizing port infrastructure, unlocking BRL 5.1 billion (about USD 1 billion) in investments, with financing provided through public banks, including BNDES.

Deal Analysis

The Merchant Marine Fund's approval of BRL 5.1 billion in financing for nine port infrastructure projects in Brazil signifies a substantial investment in modernizing and expanding the country's maritime transport capabilities. This financing, channeled through public banks including BNDES, Banco da Amazônia, Banco do Nordeste, Caixa Econômica Federal, and Banco do Brasil, aims to improve port efficiency and capacity, potentially boosting trade and economic growth. The deal underscores the Brazilian government's commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and facilitating smoother trade flows. The involvement of multiple public banks, particularly BNDES, highlights the government's active role in driving infrastructure development. The significant investment size of BRL 5.1 billion suggests a focus on large-scale projects with the potential to create a considerable impact on the Brazilian economy. While specific project details are not provided, the focus on port modernization implies a strategic effort to enhance Brazil's competitiveness in global trade. The announcement date of 2026-02-18 suggests a forward-looking approach to infrastructure planning and development.

BRL 5.1 billion in financing approved for port infrastructure projects.
Financing provided through multiple public banks, including BNDES.
Focus on expanding and modernizing port infrastructure in Brazil.
Deal announced by the Merchant Marine Fund.

Market Context: The transport sector in Brazil is crucial for facilitating trade and economic activity. Investment in port infrastructure is essential for improving efficiency and competitiveness in global markets. Government initiatives and public bank financing play a significant role in driving infrastructure development in the country.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The projects are expected to generate 5,346 direct jobs. "the projects expected to generate 5,346 direct jobs and boost operational capacity across several ports." Approved projects have up to 450 days to secure financing. "Approved projects have up to 450 days to secure financing, with possible extensions under current regulations." The fund can cover up to 90% of project costs. "The fund can cover up to 90% of project costs, subject to National Monetary Council guidelines."

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Deal Size

Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports has approved nine projects aimed at expanding and modernizing port infrastructure, unlocking BRL 5.1 billion (about USD 1 billion) in investments.

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Location

Among the approved initiatives are the modernization of Terminals 16 and 17 at the Port of Santos under CLI Sul’s lease agreement, with investments totaling BRL 678.2 million

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Announcement

Feb, 18, 2026

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

CLI Sul developer

"Among the approved initiatives are the modernization of Terminals 16 and 17 at the Port of Santos under CLI Sul’s lease agreement, with investments totaling BRL 678.2 million"

Nordeste Logística developer

"In Pecém, a separate BRL 795.1 million private terminal project by Nordeste Logística was also cleared, with around 1,000 direct jobs projected."

BNDES lender