Adapting Brazilian ports for future offshore wind projects could require between $27.5 million and $356.5 million, depending on the terminal and development scenario, according to indicative estimates prepared by consultancy COWI for the Danish Energy Agency. The study was publicly presented by Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy and Ministry of Ports and Airports on October 28, 2026, during Brazil Windpower 2026 in São Paulo.
The COWI assessment screened 43 Brazilian ports before selecting six for detailed technical evaluation: Pecém, Suape, Porto Central, Açu, Imbituba and Rio Grande, across the Northeast, Southeast and South. None is currently equipped to host a dedicated large-scale offshore wind terminal without further investment, according to the study, which was presented by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Ports and Airports.
The COWI study considers two fixed-bottom offshore wind scenarios: Large Offshore, involving turbines of 15–20 MW located more than 20 kilometres from shore, and Nearshore, involving turbines of 6–8 MW within 20 kilometres of the coast. Floating offshore wind falls outside its scope.
Large Offshore Concepts Range from $64M to $356.5M
For large offshore wind developments, the COWI technical report estimates infrastructure costs ranging from $64 million at the EBR shipyard in Rio Grande to $356.5 million at Pecém. Indicative implementation periods range from three to 6.5 years across the five viable concepts.
| Port / Facility | Indicative Cost (USD) | Implementation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Pecém | $356.5M | 6.5 years |
| Suape | $187.5M | 5.5 years |
| Porto Central | $142.5M | 5.5 years |
| Açu | $129.0M | 4.5 years |
| Rio Grande (EBR Shipyard) | $64.0M | 3 years |
| Imbituba | Not viable | — |
Source: COWI/Danish Energy Agency, Table 0-3. Indicative AACE Class 5 estimates for Large Offshore concepts.
The critical constraint at Pecém is its two access bridges, which limit the size and weight of components moved on the landside, according to COWI. At Rio Grande, the underused EBR shipyard already has a heavy-load quay and substantial yard space, so the concept involves preparation rather than new construction. Formal surveys must still confirm the quay’s load-bearing capacity and depth.
COWI considers a Large Offshore terminal at Imbituba, in Santa Catarina, not viable within the port’s current limits because of spatial restrictions and insufficient quay capacity. This finding does not exclude Imbituba from nearshore construction or operations and maintenance roles.
Nearshore Options Offer Lower-Cost Entry Paths
The COWI study identifies less capital-intensive options for nearshore wind projects in Brazil. Shared-infrastructure concepts at Pecém, Suape, Açu and Imbituba carry indicative costs of $35.5 million to $37.5 million, each with an estimated implementation period of 2.5 years.
At Rio Grande’s EBR shipyard, a dedicated nearshore terminal is estimated at $27.5 million, also over 2.5 years. Imbituba shows a wide difference between concepts: $154 million for land reclamation and a new quay wall, compared with $35.5 million for shared use of existing infrastructure.
According to COWI, nearshore approaches using shared infrastructure could offer a viable path for early movers in Brazil while larger investment programmes are planned and financed.
Early-Stage Estimates Carry Substantial Uncertainty
COWI classifies its Brazilian port cost figures as AACE Class 5, or order-of-magnitude estimates, with an expected accuracy range of −50% to +100%. The figures are intended to support relative comparisons between scenarios and ports, not to serve as precise investment values.
The COWI estimates exclude land acquisition, financing costs and development expenditure (DEVEX). They describe possible infrastructure requirements, not approved investments or committed construction programmes.
Port Planning Faces a Multi-Year Development Window
International experience shows that port developments of this kind take five to seven years or more from initial planning to operational readiness, according to COWI. Set against Brazil’s envisaged 2032–2035 deployment schedule, the study describes the current period as a critical window for port investment decisions.
For 2026–2028, the study’s priorities include advancing regulation of Brazil’s Offshore Wind Law (Law No. 15,097/2025), planning priority areas, updating port planning instruments, strengthening coordination between institutions and improving environmental licensing, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. For 2029–2032, it points to reducing investment risk, developing the supply chain and training the workforce.
The assessment does not designate mandatory ports for future offshore wind projects in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
FAQ
Which Brazilian ports were assessed for offshore wind development?
COWI selected six ports for detailed assessment: Pecém, Suape, Porto Central, Açu, Imbituba and Rio Grande, where the study focuses on the EBR shipyard. The screening started from 43 Brazilian ports across the Northeast, Southeast and South.
How much could offshore wind port upgrades cost in Brazil?
According to COWI, indicative costs range from $27.5 million for a nearshore terminal at Rio Grande’s EBR shipyard to $356.5 million for a Large Offshore terminal at Pecém. The estimates carry an expected accuracy range of −50% to +100%.
Have the offshore wind port investments in Brazil been approved?
No. The COWI study’s cost estimates and timelines describe conceptual infrastructure options intended to support planning. The assessment does not designate mandatory ports for future projects, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy.
