Posted on May 4, 2026
By Ana Alice
On the South coast of Espírito Santo, a deep-water port project brings together maritime works, billion-dollar financing, and industrial plans linked to oil logistics in the Atlantic, with stages planned until 2028.
The South coast of Espírito Santo is set to receive, in the coming years, a new port structure aimed at deep-water operations.
In Presidente Kennedy, Porto Central is preparing the first phase of a private complex that includes dredging, breakwater construction, a turning basin for vessel maneuvering, and a Liquid Bulk Terminal for ship-to-ship oil transfer.
The estimated investment for this stage is R$ 2.18 billion, a value approved by the Merchant Marine Fund for the implementation of port infrastructure.
The resources are linked to maritime works deemed necessary to transform the coastal area into a suitable point for receiving large vessels, with an access channel, an area sheltered from waves, and structures associated with industrial operation.
The planned operation aims to allow cargo to be transferred between ships in a region close to Brazilian coastal routes, without exclusively depending on already established ports or additional displacements to terminals with greater capacity.
Deep-water port requires works before ships arrive
Although the quay is the most well-known part of a port, the operation of large ships depends on prior stages in the maritime environment.
At Porto Central, this phase involves interventions on the seabed, in the vessel maneuvering area, and in coastal protection against direct wave action.
The dredging of the access channel serves to adjust the depth and navigation conditions for ships arriving at the terminal.
The turning basin, on the other hand, functions as an area designated for maneuvers, allowing vessels to turn, position themselves, and operate within the standards defined for the project.
Another planned element is the south breakwater, a structure built to reduce the impact of waves and currents on the operational area.
The combination of these works creates conditions for larger ships to safely access the terminal, in accordance with the technical requirements of port projects of this type.
The first phase involves billions because a deep-water port requires works on land and at sea.
In addition to the area available for the complex’s installation, the project depends on coastal engineering, environmental studies, logistical planning, and structures capable of accommodating larger vessels.
In the case of Porto Central, maritime interventions are scheduled to begin in 2026.
Preparatory land works began in December 2024, with activities related to the implementation of the complex’s initial phase.
Among the next fronts is the installation of a precast concrete plant, which is expected to support the manufacturing of parts used in construction.
Liquid bulk terminal will be the initial focus of Porto Central
The Liquid Bulk Terminal is the main focus of the project’s initial phase.
The structure was planned for ship-to-ship oil transfer operations, a modality known in the sector as ship-to-ship.
In this type of operation, cargo passes from one vessel to another without necessarily going to a land-based storage terminal.
The expectation reported by the company responsible for the project is that the first terminal will begin operations in 2028.
According to Porto Central, initial demand is associated with contracts signed with oil and gas companies, including Petrobras, Equinor, CNOOC, and Repsol Sinopec.
This type of operation is related to Brazilian offshore production, especially in exploration areas far from the coast.
By envisioning a deep-water structure in Espírito Santo, the complex aims to offer a support point for vessels that need to redistribute cargo in the Atlantic and serve supply chains linked to oil and its derivatives.
The location of Presidente Kennedy also forms part of the project’s strategy.
The reported deadline for this stage is up to 450 days, and the release of funds occurs in installments, according to the physical progress of the works.
This disbursement model is common in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The amounts are released according to execution stages, measurements, and proof of progress, in addition to compliance with the conditions set out in the financing agreement.
In the round announced by the federal government, Espírito Santo was among the states covered by resources allocated to port and naval projects.
Porto Central appeared among the ventures with the highest approved value, alongside initiatives related to vessel construction and the transport of petroleum derivatives.
