Belgian marine infrastructure group DEME has won Brazil’s port access channel concession, securing a 25-year contract to operate, maintain, and expand the marine access channel to the Port of Paranaguá, the country’s second-largest public port in the southern state of Paraná.

The concession was awarded to the Canal Galheta Dredging Consortium (CCGD) — a partnership between DEME and FTS Participações Societárias S.A. (FTS) — following a competitive tender launched by Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ). The initiative forms part of Brazil’s broader strategy to modernize and enhance key port infrastructure.

Recognized as a critical logistics hub, the Port of Paranaguá handles major agribulk, container, and liquid bulk volumes, serving as one of South America’s leading export gateways. Under the new concession, CCGD will be responsible for maintaining, operating, and deepening the access channel, increasing the port’s permissible draft of 13.3 meters to 15.5 meters.

In addition to dredging, the consortium will manage nautical signaling and the port’s beacon system, ensuring safe and continuous navigation. The deepening works will enable larger vessels to access Paranaguá, boosting cargo capacity and operational efficiency.

The next steps will involve the completion of administrative procedures before the formal signing of the concession agreement. FTS, DEME’s partner, is an experienced port terminal and logistics operator active in Paranaguá and other Brazilian ports.