The Government of São Paulo, through the Secretariat for Partnerships and Investments (SPI), the Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics (Semil), and the Companhia Paulista de Parcerias (CPP), has achieved an unprecedented milestone in sustainable infrastructure: the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project for the Water Crossings System has received the Blue Dot Network (BDN) certification, granted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is the first project in Brazil to obtain the seal during the structuring phase, even before the auction — which will take place on November 13 at B3.
The Blue Dot Network certification is the leading international recognition of infrastructure quality and was officially communicated to the São Paulo government this Friday (7), in São Paulo, during a meeting between Philippe Valahu, CEO of the BDN Executive Consultation Group; Diego Domingues, Executive Secretary of SPI; and Edgard Benozatti Neto, CEO of CPP.
Developed by the OECD in partnership with countries such as the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, the Blue Dot Network ensures that the project meets the highest global standards of governance, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and financial transparency. Until now, all other certifications granted in Brazil were awarded only to projects already in the implementation phase, reinforcing São Paulo’s pioneering achievement in earning the seal during the structuring and modeling process.
“This certification reinforces the Government of São Paulo’s commitment to regulatory stability, good governance practices, and the delivery of high-standard sustainable projects. It demonstrates that the State is ready to attract international investments and conduct partnerships with security and transparency,” said Rafael Benini, Secretary for Partnerships and Investments.
The Water Crossings project provides for the modernization of 14 ferry lines in different regions of the State, with an estimated investment of R$ 2.5 billion. Led jointly by SPI and Semil, the initiative includes the gradual replacement of the current diesel-powered fleet with more than 40 fully electric vessels, benefiting around 40,000 people per day and reducing up to 18,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year. The project represents one of the largest decarbonization programs for water transport in Brazil, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The OECD certification recognizes projects aligned with the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment, setting rigorous criteria for environmental impact (emission reduction and ecosystem protection), social responsibility (labor rights, safety, and inclusion), and governance (anti-corruption, transparency, and responsible public resource management).
“Achieving the Blue Dot Network certification while still in the structuring phase demonstrates the project’s technical and institutional robustness and the São Paulo government’s commitment to international ESG standards. It is a recognition that strengthens investor confidence and establishes the State as a benchmark in sustainable infrastructure projects,” said Natália Resende, Secretary for Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics.
The recognition enhances the project’s credibility with investors and multilateral organizations, positioning São Paulo at the forefront of global green, transparent, and high-quality infrastructure — in full alignment with the environmental and innovation agenda led by Semil.