ICTSI Expands Rio Terminal for 20,000 TEU Ships as Brazil Trade Growth Tests Port Capacity

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Rio Brasil Terminal, operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has taken delivery of two new quay cranes at the Port of Rio de Janeiro, strengthening its ability to handle larger container vessels and positioning the terminal for rising cargo volumes across Brazil’s foreign trade network.

The new cranes, delivered as part of an expansion and modernization program scheduled for completion in 2029, are designed to serve vessels up to 400 meters in length and carrying as many as 20,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs). According to ICTSI, the investment is expected to improve berth utilization, increase operational efficiency, and reduce vessel turnaround times at one of Brazil’s key container gateways.

The move comes as container traffic through the Port of Rio continues to rise, driven by growth in Brazilian imports and exports and a broader industry shift toward larger ships operating on East Coast South America trade routes. Terminal operators across the region have faced increasing pressure to upgrade infrastructure capable of accommodating next generation container vessels while maintaining service levels and minimizing congestion risks.

The addition of the two cranes increases Rio Brasil Terminal’s total quay crane fleet to six. The enhanced equipment is intended to support higher productivity levels and provide greater flexibility in handling larger vessel calls.

Roberto Lopes, chief executive officer of Rio Brasil Terminal, said the new assets form part of a broader strategy to improve terminal performance and customer service while supporting future growth.

According to the company, the modernization program extends beyond new cranes. Planned investments include the expansion and integration of storage yards, the reorganization of operational areas to streamline cargo flows, and the introduction of advanced technologies and automation systems. These measures are aimed at increasing throughput while improving operational efficiency throughout the terminal.

Container volumes at the Port of Rio have increased significantly since 2023, reflecting stronger foreign trade activity and growing demand for port capacity in Brazil’s largest economic region. ICTSI said the terminal’s expansion is intended to ensure sufficient capacity as shipping lines continue deploying larger vessels on regional services.

The project also carries broader implications for Brazil’s logistics sector. By expanding handling capacity and improving operational performance, the terminal could help alleviate pressure on other ports facing infrastructure constraints, while strengthening supply chain connectivity for importers, exporters, and industrial sectors including oil and gas.

Upon completion of the modernization program, Rio Brasil Terminal’s annual handling capacity is expected to reach 750,000 TEUs, reinforcing the Port of Rio’s role as a logistics hub serving Brazil’s Southwest and Midwest regions. ICTSI said the investment will support long term trade growth while enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s logistics network.

The terminal operates Container Terminal 1 at the Port of Rio de Janeiro and provides maritime, road, and rail connectivity for import, export, and industrial cargo flows. ICTSI currently manages a global portfolio of 33 terminals across 19 countries.