DP World, Maersk to Develop Services at Brazil’s Port

Dubai-based port operator DP World has signed an eight-year agreement with Danish shipping giant Maersk, one of the world’s leading companies in maritime transport and logistics, to expand maritime services and upgrade container-handling capacity at DP World’s Port of Santos terminal in Brazil.

DP World operates one of the country’s largest private terminals at the Port of Santos. Under the terms of the eight-year agreement, Maersk will introduce additional long-term services and maintain a minimum service level.

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, DP World said in an official release.

Currently, the terminal handles 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. To accommodate growing demand, DP World is investing $78.7 million to expand its container-handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by the end of 2026. The company also plans to invest an additional $180 million to further increase capacity to 2.1 million TEUs by the end of 2027.

 Márcio Medina, Commercial Vice President at DP World in Brazil, said that this announcement is another strategic step for DP World in Brazil, reinforcing their 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 aces to Brazil’s leading port and logistics hub,” Medina added.

Paulo Ruy, Regional Head of Terminal & Port Procurement for Latin America at Maersk, said that this agreement with DP World secures service capacity for Maersk at the Port of Santos. It aligns with their strategy to ensure reliable and efficient operations for customers of Maersk 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, ensuring that we continue to provide end to end logistics solutions, in addition to our stand-alone products,” Ruy added.

New Record

In 2024, DP World set a new record for container-handling volume at the Port of Santos, surpassing 1.25 million TEUs – a 14% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven by expanded container operations and the introduction of new services.

The company recently invested $50 million in advanced port equipment as part of its ongoing $85 million terminal expansion project, which will increase capacity to 1.7 million TEUs and further support Brazil’s economic growth.

Additionally, DP World has strengthened its network through a new agreement with Rumo, Brazil’s leading railway operator, to develop a new terminal for grain and fertilizer shipments, adding 12.5 million tons of operating capacity per year.

Committed to enhancing global supply chains, DP World continues to modernize infrastructure, expand capacity, and create new trade opportunities in Latin America and beyond. For more information, visit DP World.