Porto do Açu hits record cargo volumes amid infrastructure hurdles

Porto do Açu, located in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, has reached a historic milestone by moving 89 million tons of cargo in a single year, contributing approximately US$ 16 billion to international trade. The complex is a major player in the energy sector, handling 30% of Brazil’s oil exports and hosting the largest natural gas thermoelectric park in Latin America via Gás Natural Açu (GNA).

Despite this growth, the port faces significant logistical challenges. Infrastructure bottlenecks on the RJ-238 state highway, specifically a 12-kilometer stretch in poor condition, hinder the flow of approximately 600 trucks per day. While plans exist for a new 27-kilometer connection to bypass urban areas and improve cargo movement, progress has been stalled due to a suspension of tenders and contracts by the Rio de Janeiro state government citing a lack of available funds.

Looking forward, the port is diversifying into the energy transition and digital economy. Planned investments include green hydrogen hubs, ammonia plants, and 2.4 GW of renewable energy projects. The facility is also positioning itself to host large-scale AI data centers, with initial power supply agreements already in place.