Aracruz, Brazil | December 23, 2025 – In a move set to redefine the logistics landscape of the South American east coast, Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) has announced a landmark agreement to acquire a 50% stake in Imetame Logística Porto (ILP). The joint venture with the Brazilian conglomerate Imetame Group will focus on the development and operation of the newly branded “Hanseatic Global Terminals Aracruz” container terminal.
The project represents a strategic greenfield investment aimed at creating a modern transshipment and gateway hub to alleviate capacity constraints in one of the world’s fastest-growing maritime regions.
Technical Specifications and Operational Outlook
Located in Aracruz, in the state of Espírito Santo, the terminal is engineered to accommodate the next generation of ultra-large container vessels. Key technical highlights include:
- Capacity: An initial planned annual capacity of approximately 1.2 million TEU.
- Infrastructure: A 750-meter quay length equipped with state-of-the-art automated container handling equipment.
- Draft Depth: A significant 17-meter water depth, making it one of the deepest and most accessible ports on the Brazilian coast.
- Launch Date: Operational commencement is currently projected for mid-2028.
While the partnership has been formalized, the closing of the transaction remains subject to approval by relevant antitrust authorities and customary regulatory conditions. The financial terms of the 50% share acquisition have not been disclosed.
Strategic Leadership Perspectives
Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, emphasized the geographic importance of the deal:
“Latin America is a key strategic market for Hanseatic Global Terminals and Hapag-Lloyd. Our joint venture with the Imetame Group and the development of a new transshipment hub and gateway port on Brazil’s east coast strengthens our terminal portfolio while addressing capacity constraints in a growth region. This investment benefits Brazil by strengthening trade infrastructure via a port closer to consumer markets and key global shipping routes than traditional gateway ports.”
Etore Selvatici Cavallieri, Chairman of Imetame Group, noted the socio-economic impact for the state of Espírito Santo:
“We are very pleased to have Hanseatic Global Terminals as a strong strategic partner. They possess great expertise to offer efficient cargo handling and further strengthen Brazil’s importance in global trade. Beyond operational excellence, we are committed to developing opportunities for the region, boosting jobs, and fostering the development of local businesses.”
Strategic Logistics and Connectivity
The venture benefits from a highly privileged location designed for seamless intermodal connectivity. Situated on ES 010 in Aracruz, the facility is positioned in close proximity to Brazil’s major consumer centers.
Critically, Imetame Porto Aracruz is located just 3 km from the Vitória a Minas Railway (EFVM) and will feature a high-productivity branch and train rail junction. Furthermore, its proximity to Vitória Airport and its location 45 km from the SUDENE area enhances its regional competitiveness. The project is supported by an adjacent area of 5 million m² dedicated to the implementation of a comprehensive logistics and industrial platform.
About Imetame Group
Imetame Group With 45 years of heritage, Aracruz-based Imetame is a powerhouse in the Brazilian economy, employing over 5,000 people. The group is highly diversified, with operations in metalworking, energy, ornamental stones, and oil and gas. Their 1 million m² port project is designed as a multi-purpose Private Terminal Platform capable of handling solid and liquid bulk, general cargo, and ship-to-ship operations in addition to the HGT container partnership.
About Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT)
Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd, headquartered in Rotterdam. The company is currently executing an aggressive “Strategy 2030” agenda, aiming to expand its current portfolio of 21 terminals across 11 countries to more than 30 terminals by 2030. Its holdings include significant assets in Latin America, Florida, and a dominant presence in the Indian market through J M Baxi.
Source: Hanseatic Global Terminals