Terminal operator APM Terminals has plans, subject to regulatory approval, to acquire 50 per cent of the shares in Brasil Terminal Portuario (BTP), a new container terminal being built in Santos, Brazil.
APM Terminals and Terminal Investment Limited have reportedly reached agreement to jointly manage the terminal, which is currently being developed and is on course to be fully operational by mid-2013.
The new container facility will feature a water depth of 15 metres and a capacity of 2.2m TEUs when fully built, contributing to a major expansion and improvement in Brazil’s port transport and logistics network and enabling Santos to handle the next generation of vessels.
“In Brazil, one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, port modernisation represents a huge opportunity,' stated Kim Fejfer, CEO of APM Terminals, calling the new agreement 'an important step in offering our customers better access to Brazil markets”.
Vikram Sharma, CEO of Terminal Investment Limited, added: “This agreement will benefit Brazilian shippers by making Santos more competitive in world markets.”
The Port of Santos serves the state of Sao Paulo and its hinterland. Roughly half of Brazil’s GDP is generated in areas served by the port of Santos and more than a quarter of Brazil’s trade passes through the port.
APM Terminals today operates in the Brazilian ports of Pecem and Itajai, and offers its customers inland services and depots.
Terminal Investment Limited operates the terminal of Portonave in Navegantes, Brazil.
