DP World, Dubai’s global port operators and logistics solutions company, and Denmark’s Maersk, one of the world’s leading maritime transport and logistics companies, have signed a long-term strategic agreement to expand maritime services at DP World’s terminal in the Brazilian city of Santos.
DP World operates one of the country’s largest private terminals at the Port of Santos, the largest in Latin America, which connects to over 600 ports across 200 countries. In 2023, the port handled 173 million tons of cargo and 5 million TEU.
Maersk to boost operations
Maersk will introduce additional long-term services and maintain a minimum service level as part of the eight-year agreement. In the first year, Maersk will launch six new services with eight weekly calls, increasing to seven services and 10 weekly calls in 2026 following DP World’s capacity expansion.
Currently, DP World’s terminal handles 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. The company is investing R$450 million (approximately US$80 million) to expand its container-handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by the end of 2026 to accommodate growing demand. It plans to invest an additional R$1.6 billion (US$28.3 million) to increase capacity to 2.1 million TEUs by the end of 2027.
Márcio Medina, Commercial Vice President at DP World in Brazil, commented: “This announcement is another strategic step for DP World in Brazil, reinforcing our presence at the Port of Santos, and accelerating new expansion opportunities in the country.
“This agreement with Maersk not only allows us to expand our operational capacity for container handling but also ensures long-term access to Brazil’s leading port and logistics hub.”
Boosting Latin America’s capacity
In 2024, DP World set a new record for container-handling volume at the Port of Santos, surpassing 1.25 million TEUs – a 14 per cent year-over-year increase. This growth was driven by expanded container operations and the introduction of new services.
The company recently invested US$50 million in advanced port equipment as part of its ongoing terminal expansion project.
Paulo Ruy, Regional Head of Terminal & Port Procurement for Latin America at Maersk, added: “This agreement with DP World secures service capacity for Maersk at the Port of Santos.
“It aligns with our strategy to ensure reliable and efficient operations for our customers in the region. By having this commercial agreement with DP World, we are able to meet the growing demand for container handling and enhance our service offerings.”
DP World has also strengthened its network through a new agreement with Rumo, Brazil’s leading railway operator, to develop a new terminal for grain and fertiliser shipments, adding 12.5 million tons of operating capacity per year.
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