Brazil and France strengthen partnerships in port modernization

Minister Silvio Costa Filho visits the Port of Marseille and CMA CGM to discuss investments and workforce training in the port sector

On Thursday (11), the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, fulfilled two agendas of the official mission to France in the city of Marseille. He visited the Port of Marseille, one of the largest in Europe, and was at the headquarters of the shipping company CMA CGM, where he met with CEO Rodolphe Saadé.

The Port of Marseille operates as a multipurpose port, handling cargo and also serving as a cruise terminal. The complex receives approximately 2 million passengers per year in this segment, a figure that reinforces Brazil's potential in the sector. "We are working to ensure that Brazilian ports increasingly advance as sustainable ports, prepared to receive large vessels, in addition to boosting cruise tourism, especially in the North and Northeast regions," stated Minister Silvio Costa Filho.

Anderson Pomini, president of the Port Authority of Santos (APS), who accompanied the visit, emphasized that Santos is following the same modernization path. "The Port of Santos is already considering moving the cruise terminal to Valongo Park, strengthening tourism and increasing the complex's appeal," he said.

Investments

The minister then visited the CMA CGM Tower, the group's headquarters in Marseille, for a meeting with CEO Rodolphe Saadé. The meeting discussed investment opportunities in Brazil, particularly in upcoming port concessions, as well as initiatives aimed at training workers in the logistics and maritime sectors through the company's Tangram center of excellence.

CMA CGM already has investments in Brazil, notably the purchase of the Santos Brasil terminal in 2024, valued at US$2.4 billion (approximately R$13 billion). The group is also a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and workforce training.

"Brazil is strategic for CMA CGM. We want to expand our operations and strengthen our presence in the country with new investments and partnerships," said Rodolphe Saadé.

This Thursday's agenda marks the conclusion of the France Mission, led by the Ministry of Ports and Airports throughout the week. The initiative strengthened bilateral cooperation and opened new prospects for investments and strategic partnerships, solidifying Brazil's commitment to modernizing and making the port and logistics sectors more sustainable.