The Government of São Paulo republished this Monday (22), in the State Official Gazette, the bid notice for the sponsored concession of the Waterway Crossings System. Structured by the Secretariat for Partnerships and Investments (SPI), the project foresees the complete modernization of 14 passenger and vehicle ferry lines, with the auction scheduled for November 13, 2025, at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3).
The updated notice introduces legal, technical, and operational adjustments to increase the project’s appeal to the private sector, ensuring legal certainty, predictability, and greater competitiveness in the auction. The decision to republish the notice and reschedule the auction date responded to investor requests for more time to deepen their studies, given the project’s complexity and unprecedented nature.
With a 20-year concession term and investments of around R$ 2.5 billion, the Waterway Crossings PPP provides for the replacement of the current fleet with 45 new vessels, 41 of which will be electrically powered, as well as the construction and standardization of terminals with modern infrastructure, air conditioning, accessible restrooms, and food and information areas.
The system currently serves approximately 11 million passengers and 10 million vehicles per year. With the introduction of larger, more modern vessels, it will be possible to reduce queues, including during peak holiday seasons, while offering greater comfort and safety for the population. The contract also ensures the maintenance of the current fare base and the existing fare exemptions.
The modernized routes will include Sebastião–Ilhabela; Santos–Vicente de Carvalho; Santos–Guarujá; Bertioga–Guarujá; Cananéia–Mainland; Cananéia–Ilha Comprida; Cananéia–Ariri; Iguape–Juréia; Bororé–Grajaú; Taquacetuba–Bororé; João Basso–Taquacetuba; Porto Paraitinga; Porto Varginha; and Porto Natividade da Serra.
The republication reinforces the commitment to a transparent, modern, and sustainable process, aligned with international best practices in concessions and with the priority of delivering high-quality services and state-of-the-art infrastructure to the population.
Investment Partnerships Program (PPI-SP)
PPI-SP is a state government initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for investment, employment, and socioeconomic, technological, environmental, and industrial development in São Paulo.
Focused on the areas of Highways, Mobility, Social Infrastructure, and Water/Energy, PPI-SP is carrying out the largest and most comprehensive private investment program in São Paulo’s history, benefiting the population and driving regional economic growth. In total, more than 30 projects have already been qualified, with a portfolio exceeding R$ 550 billion.