BESIX has successfully completed the first phase of the marine infrastructure upgrade at Portonave, located in the port of Navegantes, southern Brazil. This milestone marks a significant step in optimising the terminal to accommodate larger vessels.
450 metres of quay wall
Portonave, Brazil’s first privately owned port terminal and a leader in container handling in Southern Brazil, awarded the EPC contract in 2022. Works, started in 2024, comprised the construction of a new quay wall in the same location as the existing structure while keeping the port fully operational.
In October 2025, BESIX delivered the first 450 metres of the newly constructed quay wall, marking the end of the project’s first phase. In just two days, the seamless relocation of six ship-to-shore cranes was completed, enabling the first ultra-large container vessels to berth at the upgraded facility and reinforcing Portonave’s position as a leading terminal in Brazil.
Next phase underway
Work on the second and final phase is already in progress. Scheduled for delivery by summer 2026, this phase will mirror the first, adding another 50% of quay length to reach a total of 970 metres. It is planned to be completed in half the time of the first phase, maintaining strong momentum toward full completion.
Leader in container-handling in Southern Brazil
Located in the city of Navegantes, in southern Brazil, Portonave is Brazil’s first privately owned port terminal, and regularly recognised for being the most performing terminal in the country. As the leader in container-handling in Southern Brazil, it serves the southern, south-eastern and central-western regions of Brazil and other South American countries and handles cargo from all over the world.
