A German multinational has partnered with Imetame to develop and operate a new container terminal at the port of Aracruz, in the northern part of the state, with a projected investment of around R$1 billion. The development is expected to generate significant employment and economic activity in the region.
The transaction was completed by Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), a subsidiary of global shipping and container major Hapag-Lloyd, which signed an agreement to acquire 50% of the shares in Imetame Logística Porto. While the investment value was not officially disclosed, Brazil Journal reported that HGT’s contribution is estimated at approximately R$1 billion, a figure regarded by local business sources as reasonable.
Under the agreement, the partners will jointly develop and operate the new facility, to be known as Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz. The terminal is positioned as a modern port facility for transshipment and import/export operations, according to a statement released by the companies.
The container terminal is expected to begin operations by 2028, with a planned annual capacity of around 1.2 million TEUs, a 750-metre quay, and state-of-the-art container handling equipment. With an initial depth of 17 metres, expanding to 25 metres in a second dredging phase, the port will be capable of accommodating large vessels operating on long-haul routes, with depths exceeding those of many of Brazil’s major ports.
Etore Cavallieri, President of the Imetame Group, highlighted the project’s role in job creation and regional development, reaffirming the company’s commitment to fostering long-term economic opportunities in Aracruz and surrounding areas.
“We are very pleased to have Hanseatic Global Terminals as a strong strategic partner for the new container terminal. Their expertise will enable efficient cargo handling for customers, importers, and exporters, while further strengthening Brazil’s role in global trade,” the company said in a statement.
Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, described Latin America as a key strategic market, adding:
“We see Aracruz as a location with the potential to play a significant role in strengthening Brazil’s connectivity with global markets and serving as a strategic hub for line services.”
According to business consultant Durval Vieira de Freitas, the partnership is pivotal for Imetame, helping attract new partnerships and positioning Aracruz and the wider region on the international logistics map.
The general cargo terminal at the port is scheduled to begin operations in 2026, while the container terminal will follow once additional infrastructure works are completed, including the installation of advanced handling equipment comparable to that used at the Vila Velha terminal.