Rio Grande, Brazil
Major gateway to southern Brazil, Rio Grande is the state’s oldest city and its leading maritime port.
Port Overview
Rio Grande Port is located in the city of Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. It ranks among the top five largest ports in the country by cargo throughput and is the main maritime gateway for the southern region. Strategically positioned near major highways and railways, it serves as a vital logistics hub for exports such as soybeans, grains, and cellulose. The port handles over 1 million TEUs annually, supporting both domestic and international trade with modern facilities and efficient operations.
Facilities & Infrastructure
The Port of Rio Grande features key terminals for containers, bulk, general cargo, and liquid bulk. Its main facilities include deepwater berths with a 15-meter draft, modern container terminals, and extensive warehousing. The port is equipped with ship-to-shore cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and advanced cargo handling systems. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and 24/7 monitored container freight stations support efficient logistics and secure cargo movement.
Container Terminals
Rio Grande’s main container terminal, Tecon Rio Grande, has 4 berths and a handling capacity of over 1.4 million TEU per year. It is recognized as the most automated container terminal in Brazil, featuring advanced terminal operating systems and high automation in yard and gate operations. The terminal is operated by Wilson Sons, a major Brazilian port and logistics company.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated terminals for containerized cargo with modern equipment and efficient operations.
- Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, general, liquid, and project cargo including grains, fertilizers, petroleum products, and automobiles.
- Ship services: Pilotage, tugboats, mooring, bunkering, and medical facilities available for vessels.
- Warehousing: On-site warehouses and storage areas for various cargo types.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Rio Grande, Brazil’s main southern port, connects directly with key South American ports such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Santos, Paranaguá, and Imbituba. It serves the Rio Grande do Sul region and supports extensive multimodal links to inland Brazil. Major shipping routes from Rio Grande reach over 90 countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a strategic gateway for agricultural, industrial, and containerized exports to global markets.
Port Statistics
Port of Rio Grande, Brazil – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 800,000–900,000 TEU annually, with recent growth rates above 7%.
- World Ranking: Among the top 120 container ports globally.
- Number of Berths: 21 berths.
- Port Area: Covers around 8.5 km².
- Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Hamburg Süd.
