Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Port Overview

Rio de Janeiro is located on Brazil’s southeast Atlantic coast and is the country’s second-largest city. The Port of Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s busiest and most strategic, serving as a key gateway for imports and exports, especially for iron ore, steel, and agricultural products. It ranks among the top Brazilian ports by container volume, with an annual throughput of approximately 700,000 TEU. Its location near major industrial and commercial centers enhances its importance for both domestic distribution and international trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

The Port of Rio de Janeiro features key terminals for containers, general cargo, bulk, and cruise operations, including the modern Pier Mauá cruise terminal. Its cargo facilities include 31 berths along a 6.7 km quay, 18 warehouses, and 15 open patios. The port is equipped with ship-to-shore cranes, mobile cranes, and specialized equipment for containers and bulk cargo. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not widely reported in use at this port.

Container Terminals

Rio de Janeiro’s container terminals include MultiRio and Rio Brasil Terminal, offering a combined annual capacity of around 1 million TEU. The port features 31 berths with drafts up to 15 meters. Automation is moderate, with ongoing investments but not fully automated operations. Major operators are MultiRio (Grupo Multiterminais) and ICTSI (Rio Brasil Terminal), serving global shipping lines and providing multimodal access via road, rail, and sea.

Port Services

• Container handling: Full container terminal operations for import and export cargo, including loading, unloading, and storage.
• Cargo operations: Handling of general cargo, breakbulk, bulk commodities, and project cargo, with specialized equipment and logistics support.
• Ship services: Bunkering, ship supply, maintenance, hull and hold cleaning, marine surveys, tug and barge assistance, and crew support.
• Warehousing: On-site and nearby warehousing for various cargo types, including bonded storage and logistics management.
• Customs: Comprehensive customs clearance and documentation services to ensure compliance and efficient cargo movement.

Global Connectivity

Rio de Janeiro’s port is a major gateway on Brazil’s southeastern coast, serving the industrial and commercial regions of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. It connects directly with key Brazilian ports such as Santos, Vitória, and Paranaguá, and offers frequent shipping routes to North America, Europe, and Asia. The port is well-integrated by road and rail, supporting efficient access to domestic and international markets.

Port Statistics

Port of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 460,000–470,000 TEU annually
• World ranking: 42nd in the Container Port Performance Index 2023
• Number of berths: 18
• Port area: 1,000,000 m² (1 km²)
• Shipping lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and others

The port handles a diverse cargo mix, with containerized cargo accounting for the majority of throughput.