Brazil advances Itaqui Port expansion with new fertilizer terminal
Brazil is moving forward with plans to expand fertilizer handling and storage capacity at the Port of Itaqui, in the northeastern state of Maranhão, through a terminal concession project involving an estimated R$147.01 million in investment.
The project covers the IQI16 terminal, where approximately 21,800 square metres of existing port area will be redeveloped to accommodate fertilizer cargo operations.
Brazil’s National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) has published the tender documents, with the auction scheduled for 9 December 2026.
New terminal to increase fertilizer capacity
The IQI16 project is designed to expand the port’s existing fertilizer infrastructure rather than establish an entirely new logistics operation.
Once developed, the terminal is expected to provide static storage capacity of 70,000 tonnes and estimated annual handling capacity of 1.008 million tonnes.
The additional infrastructure will offer fertilizer importers another handling and storage option at Itaqui, which already operates facilities dedicated to this type of cargo.
The expansion is intended to support growing demand for fertilizer imports, particularly in Brazil’s northern and northeastern regions.
Brazil’s agricultural sector drives port investment
Brazil is the world’s third-largest fertilizer consumer, with annual demand estimated at between 40 million and 45 million tonnes.
Approximately 80% of the country’s fertilizer requirements are met through imports, making port infrastructure an important component of the agricultural supply chain.
Alex Ávila, National Secretary of Ports at Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports, highlighted the importance of increasing fertilizer handling capacity in the country’s northeast.
According to Ávila, expanding operations at Itaqui could strengthen the port’s attractiveness to importers while supporting regional logistics development.
The ministry also expects the project to generate wider economic benefits for Maranhão through port revenues, taxation and employment-related income.
Concession auction scheduled for December
The IQI16 terminal will be offered under a concession arrangement with an initial term of 25 years and the possibility of an extension.
The winning bidder will be selected based on the highest concession payment offered for the commercial operation of the terminal area.
The tender also includes provisions intended to protect competition in fertilizer handling at the Itaqui Port Complex.
Under these rules, economic groups whose market participation would exceed 40% following the concession may only win the auction if no other valid bid is submitted.
The project represents a planned expansion of Brazil’s fertilizer import infrastructure, although implementation will depend on the outcome of the auction and subsequent terminal development.
