Global logistics and port management giant DP World has entered into a significant 10-year agreement with leading German carrier Hapag-Lloyd to enhance operations at the Port of Santos, Brazil’s largest and most important maritime gateway. The deal underscores both companies’ long-term commitment to the region while laying the groundwork for an expanded role in South America’s fast-growing container shipping market.
Strengthening ties in Brazil’s busiest port
The Port of Santos, located near São Paulo, handles around a third of Brazil’s total trade volume and is regarded as a critical hub for the country’s exports of agricultural commodities, manufactured goods, and industrial raw materials. For years, DP World has operated one of the port’s key terminals, investing steadily in infrastructure upgrades.
Through this newly signed 10-year contract, Hapag-Lloyd secures reliable access to terminal services while DP World strengthens its position as a trusted partner for major shipping lines in Latin America. The arrangement not only ensures operational continuity but also aligns with both companies’ shared focus on efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
For Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s top five container shipping companies, the agreement is especially valuable as it provides a strong operational foundation to expand its footprint in Brazil. With Brazilian trade volumes growing rapidly, particularly in agricultural exports such as soybeans, sugar, and meat, having dedicated terminal support at Santos enables the carrier to strengthen its regional network and offer more reliable services to customers.
Expansion underway: Building for the future
The signing of this agreement comes at a time when DP World is already in the midst of a major expansion at Santos. In August 2024, the company began construction works to extend its quay on the port’s left bank by an additional 190 metres. Once completed in August 2026, this extension will increase the total quay length to 1,290 metres, making it capable of accommodating much larger container vessels than it does today.
This physical expansion is accompanied by the installation of state-of-the-art container handling equipment, including new ship-to-shore cranes and yard management systems. Together, these investments are projected to boost the terminal’s annual handling capacity to 1.7 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2026. Such capacity will firmly establish DP World’s Santos facility as one of Brazil’s most modern and competitive private multipurpose terminals.
Sustainability and efficiency at the core
DP World has emphasized that the expansion will not only increase throughput but also prioritize environmental performance. The new equipment will feature energy-efficient technologies, while yard operations are expected to integrate automation and digital systems to cut emissions and improve safety.
Sustainability is also central to Hapag-Lloyd’s operations, with the company investing heavily in fleet modernization and alternative fuels. The partnership allows both companies to align their goals, ensuring that cargo moving through Santos benefits from greener supply chain practices.
Strategic importance of Santos
The Port of Santos is more than just a local gateway—it is a vital artery of global trade. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of soybeans, coffee, and orange juice, and one of the biggest suppliers of beef, poultry, and sugar. These goods depend heavily on container shipping, much of it passing through Santos.
By securing long-term terminal access at this critical hub, Hapag-Lloyd not only strengthens its competitive position in Brazil but also across the South American east coast trade lanes. The port’s connectivity with inland logistics networks, including railways and highways linking São Paulo’s vast industrial base, makes it indispensable for both imports and exports.
Industry reactions and wider implications
Analysts view the deal as a reflection of the shipping industry’s growing trend toward securing long-term partnerships at strategic ports. With container lines facing uncertainties in global trade, including volatile freight rates and shifting supply chain patterns, guaranteed access to reliable terminals is becoming a cornerstone of corporate strategy.
For DP World, which manages over 90 ports and terminals worldwide, the agreement reinforces its reputation as a global partner of choice for carriers. For Brazil, the continued flow of foreign investment into Santos further modernizes its logistics ecosystem, enhancing the nation’s competitiveness in world trade.
Looking ahead
As the expansion at Santos progresses, both DP World and Hapag-Lloyd are expected to deepen their collaboration. Beyond handling containerized cargo, the terminal also manages breakbulk and general cargo, giving Hapag-Lloyd flexibility in supporting diverse customer needs.
By 2026, when the expansion is completed, the terminal will be able to handle the new generation of ultra-large container vessels, ensuring Santos remains at the forefront of global shipping routes.
Ultimately, this partnership represents more than just a business agreement—it is a strategic alignment that will shape the future of trade flows between Brazil and the world. With DP World’s investment in infrastructure and Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to long-term growth, the Port of Santos is poised to become an even more powerful driver of South America’s maritime economy.
