Waterway Crossings PPP project in São Paulo

project signed

The project involves modernizing and expanding the water transport system for the crossing of passengers and vehicles in the São Paulo State, Brazil. The proposal encompasses 14 routes, including key connections between Santos and Guarujá, São Sebastião and Ilhabela, as well as others situated in the Vale do Ribeira, North Coast, São Paulo Metropolitan Region, and the Paraibuna Reservoir.The 14 ferry routes transport roughly 11 million passengers and 10 million vehicles annually across the State of São Paulo. Under the new model, significant upgrades are planned, supported by investments exceeding R$2.5 billion (US$469 million). These include building new terminals, purchasing modern vessels, and modernizing the current infrastructure. In total, 45 new boats will be introduced to serve users, while the existing fare structure will be preserved. With a strong focus on regions such as Baixada Santista, São Sebastião, Ilhabela, and Vale do Ribeira, the project will benefit key economic and population clusters while ensuring better performance during peak travel periods. The model requires the concessionaire to reinforce the fleet on holidays and during high season, providing more trips and shorter waiting lines. Ferry routes included in the PPP São Sebastião–Ilhabela, Santos–Vicente de Carvalho, Santos–Guarujá, Bertioga–Guarujá, Cananéia–Continente, Cananéia–Ilha Comprida, Cananéia–Ariri, Iguape–Juréia, Bororé–Grajaú, Taquacetuba–Bororé, João Basso–Taquacetuba, Porto Paraitinga, Porto Varginha, Porto Natividade da Serra.