DP World in bulk deal for Santos

DP World continues to expand its push into the bulk and general cargo sectors, with a new deal to build a dedicated bulk terminal in Santos. Together with Brazilian railway operator Rumo, DP World will build a new facility to handle 12.5 million tonnes a year of grains and fertilisers.

“Rumo estimates the total investment for the construction of this state-of-the-art facility at BRL 2.5 billion (US$500 million), which will be financed through a combination of Rumo’s resources, loans, and potential strategic partnerships.

“This is in addition to recent investments in DP World container handling facilities increasing capacity from 1.2 million TEU to 1.4 million TEU, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100 metres to 1,300 metres.

The new terminal will handle 9 million tonnes of grains and 3.5 million tonnes of fertilisers a year. Construction is expected to take 30 months, with no impact to container handling operations and other activities at the port.

“Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country. The collaboration solidifies DP World’s position as the country’s leading multipurpose port operator, capable of simultaneously handling containers, cellulose, grains and fertilisers.” DP World said in a statement.

The terminal will have 21 new pieces of equipment. In comments to WorldCargo News DP World Santos explained that the dry bulk cargoes will be managed using conveyor system. Grains will be stored in vertical silos and loaded as loose bulk via two shiploaders. Fertiliser, which is import cargo, will be unloaded using a ship unloader and stored on the ground in a warehouse. The terminal will also feature a dedicated railway loop with its handling system.

The 21 pieces of equipment include enclosed conveyor systems, grain receiving hoppers, and fertiliser loading bins for road and rail transport, plus the two ship loaders for grain a continuous unloader for fertilisers, “all equipped with modern operational safety and environmental control systems,” DP World Santos noted.

Grain is a new cargo type for Santos, but for fertiliser imports the port has recently integrated a state-of-the-art cellulose complex with a capacity of 3.6 million tons per year (1st phase) into the port facility. “Expansion efforts underway will increase capacity to handle up to 5 million tons per year. This complex enhances Brazil’s position in the global agricultural market, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing its agricultural export capabilities and contributing to the international trade landscape”, DP World Santos said.

Commenting on the agreement, Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rumo on this transformative project, which underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in Brazil’s logistics sector. This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.”