The concession project for the public service of operating, maintaining, and investing in the water crossing system of the State of São Paulo includes improvements to passenger terminals to ensure greater comfort for users. New terminals will be built in crossings that currently lack them, in addition to the renovation and expansion of existing structures.
These facilities will follow minimum comfort standards, as explained by the president of Companhia Paulista de Parcerias (CPP), Edgard Benozatti: “All terminals will feature climate-controlled environments, accessible restrooms, customer service and information areas, and food courts. These will be comfortable spaces designed to provide users with peace of mind. With this proposal, we aim to improve the passenger experience across the 14 crossings. We are working with three pillars: fleet replacement, terminal expansion/renovation, and improved travel offerings,” he stated.
Qualified under the São Paulo State Partnership Program (PPI-SP), the concession includes the operation, maintenance, and management of 14 waterway lines: eight coastal lines (operated by the Department of Waterways in the northern, central, and southern regions of the São Paulo coast), three operated by the Metropolitan Water and Energy Company (EMAE), and three in the Paraibuna Reservoir.
The 14 lines to be granted include: São 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.
Currently, the system serves 11 million passengers and 10 million vehicles annually. The project foresees over R$ 1 billion in investments for new passenger terminals, acquisition of new vessels, new floating docks, and expansion of existing floating structures.
Background
Public hearings for the concession took place on December 9 in Santos, December 11 in São Sebastião, and December 12 in a virtual format. More information can be found here.
The publication of the public notice is expected in the first half of 2025, with the auction and contract signing scheduled for the second half of 2025. A single contract will cover all water crossings in the state. The concession will follow a sponsored PPP model with a 20-year term.
State Partnership Program (PPI-SP)
PPI-SP is an initiative of the State Government of São Paulo aimed at expanding investment opportunities, employment, and socioeconomic, technological, environmental, and industrial development in the state.
With a focus on Highways, Mobility, Social, and Water/Energy sectors, PPI-SP is delivering the largest and most comprehensive private investment program in São Paulo’s history, benefiting the population and driving regional economic growth. A total of 29 projects have already been qualified, with a portfolio exceeding R$ 494 billion.
Photo: Government of São Paulo / Disclosure