Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and a delegation from the São Paulo State Government will travel to Europe next week to present projects from the Investment Partnership Program (PPI-SP) to potential stakeholders in Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. One of the key projects is the public-private partnership (PPP) for Waterway Crossings. A standout feature of the initiative is its focus on reducing environmental impact by replacing diesel-powered vessels with electric models, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. The PPP involves investment in 14 waterway crossings across different regions of the state, which collectively transport around 40,000 people daily.
“More than 40 vessels will be electric. If we consider just the coastal crossings, we’re talking about a potential reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This will represent a major leap in quality standards for the State of São Paulo and reaffirm the current administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Edgard Benozatti, president of the Companhia Paulista de Parcerias.
In addition to its environmental focus, the PPP will also improve public transport efficiency, offering more comfortable crossings, reduced wait times, and enhanced safety for users. The initiative is aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, which promote sustainable practices, social responsibility, and effective governance in public policies.
This week, the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) approved Bill 164/2025, which authorizes the concession of the Waterway Crossing System. The public tender is expected to be published in the first half of 2025, with the auction and contract signing scheduled for the second half. The contract will last 20 years.