CMPC and Neltume Ports Form JV to Build Port Terminal in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Jan. 22, 2026 - CMPC Celulose and Neltume Ports have joined forces to form the joint venture Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S/A, with the objective of establishing a terminal dedicated to general cargo handling, focusing on cellulose, in the Port of Rio Grande do Sul.

Early in December, Terminal Rio Grande do Sul obtained, from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ), after a public consultation, recognition of the viability for entering into an Adhesion Contract. This instrument enables the construction and operation of a Private Use Terminal (TUP) in the municipality of Rio Grande, to be signed between the Ministry of Ports and Airports, as the Granting Authority, and the company.

On Dec. 19, the Adhesion Contract was signed between the National Secretariat of Ports, the Ministry of Ports and Airports, ANTAQ, and Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S/A, granting the company the right to implement and operate its port facilities.

The project foresees the construction of two berths for ships, two berths for barges, and a warehouse with a static capacity of 194,000 tons of pulp, significantly expanding the logistical capacity of the Port of Rio Grande.

Estimated investments total R$ 1.5 billion. During the implementation phase, it is expected to generate more than 1,200 jobs. In the operational phase, the terminal should create approximately 450 direct jobs and more than 2,100 indirect jobs, including casual workers and truck drivers.

The project also includes a transfer of R$ 142.7 million to Portos RS, specifically for the dredging of the Access Channel and the Turning Basin of the New Port, benefiting all cargo handled in this port area.

The next steps include the Transfer of Use of the land, currently being processed by the Superintendence of Federal Assets (SPU). Next, a public hearing is planned, as well as obtaining the Preliminary License and the Installation License from FEPAM/RS.

SOURCE: Portos RS

Portos RS is a public company responsible for organizing, managing, and overseeing the entire waterway port system of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This system includes the public ports of Rio Grande, Pelotas, and Porto Alegre, as well as 17 privately operated terminals. It comprises over 754 km of navigable waterways with ample capacity to accommodate new industrial complexes.