DP World and Maersk Partner to Strengthen Maritime Services in Brazil
Santos, Brazil – In a significant move to enhance Brazil’s maritime trade infrastructure, UAE-based port operator DP World has signed a long-term strategic agreement with Danish shipping giant Maersk. This partnership aims to expand maritime services at DP World’s terminal in the Port of Santos, South America’s busiest port.
The eight-year agreement will see Maersk introducing additional long-term services, ensuring a steady flow of shipping traffic and maintaining a minimum service level. The collaboration is expected to boost container handling capabilities, further cementing the Port of Santos’ position as a vital gateway for trade in Latin America.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Under the first phase of the agreement, set to roll out in 2024, Maersk will introduce six new shipping services with eight weekly calls at DP World’s terminal. This will be further expanded in 2026, with the number of services increasing to seven and the number of weekly calls reaching 10. The expansion aligns with DP World’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and efficiency at the terminal.
At present, DP World’s terminal in the Port of Santos handles approximately 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. To accommodate growing demand and increasing trade volume, the company has committed to a significant investment plan aimed at increasing capacity.
Massive Investments in Infrastructure
DP World is investing BRL 450 million (US$79.7 million) to expand the terminal’s container handling capacity from 1.4 million TEUs to 1.7 million TEUs by the end of 2026. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to modernize port operations, streamline logistics, and improve overall efficiency.
Beyond this initial investment, DP World has announced plans to inject an additional BRL 1.6 billion (US$280 million) to further increase the terminal’s capacity to 2.1 million TEUs by the end of 2027. This move is expected to significantly enhance Brazil’s export and import capabilities, benefiting both regional and global trade.
Strengthening Brazil’s Role in Global Trade
The Port of Santos plays a crucial role in Brazil’s economy, handling a large share of the country’s agricultural exports, manufactured goods, and industrial imports. By expanding its operational capacity, DP World is positioning the terminal as a key hub for global supply chains.
“This agreement with Maersk not only allows us to expand our operational capacity for container handling but also ensures long-term access to Brazil’s leading port and logistics hub,” said Márcio Medina, Commercial Vice President of DP World in Brazil. “This partnership strengthens the Port of Santos’ role in international trade and reinforces DP World’s commitment to investing in Brazil’s infrastructure.”
Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, views this partnership as an opportunity to enhance its service offerings in Latin America. The company has been steadily increasing its footprint in the region, capitalizing on Brazil’s growing trade volumes and expanding economy.
Implications for the Logistics Industry
The expansion of DP World’s terminal at the Port of Santos will have far-reaching implications for the logistics industry. By increasing capacity and efficiency, the partnership is expected to reduce congestion, shorten transit times, and lower operational costs for businesses relying on maritime trade.
Furthermore, with improved infrastructure and additional shipping services, exporters and importers will benefit from greater reliability and flexibility in moving goods. This is particularly important for Brazil’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on efficient shipping channels to export soybeans, coffee, and other commodities to international markets.
A Step Toward Sustainable Growth
Beyond expanding capacity, DP World and Maersk have also emphasized their commitment to sustainable growth. Both companies have been investing in eco-friendly technologies, digitalization, and automation to enhance efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact of port operations.
As global trade continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in ensuring that supply chains remain resilient and adaptive. The DP World-Maersk collaboration in the Port of Santos represents a strategic effort to strengthen Brazil’s position in global trade while paving the way for future growth in the maritime industry.
With substantial investments and a long-term commitment, this partnership is set to transform the logistics landscape in Brazil, bringing economic benefits and solidifying the country’s role as a key player in international shipping.
