Environmental performance assessment of Brazilian ports capable of operating post-panamax ships

Ports are essential to Brazil’s economy, facilitating the export of agricultural products, minerals, and industrial goods. With 35 public ports and 175 private terminals, the country faces pressing challenges in modernizing its infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of post-Panamax vessels. This study evaluates the Índice de Desempenho Ambiental (IDA) focusing on 51 Brazilian ports identified as suitable for expansion. The environmental performance of these ports is assessed through 38 indicators across economic-operational, socio-cultural, physical-chemical, and biological-ecological categories. By analyzing the environmental conditions of these ports, this study identifies key strengths and limitations that may influence their ability to modernize and expand sustainably. The findings highlight strong performance in environmental licensing, solid waste management, and the absence of environmental accidents in the past year. Larger ports with greater financial resources, as well as those in the South and Southeast regions, generally outperformed others. However, critical gaps persist, particularly in energy management, such as the adoption of renewable energy and the provision of onshore power supply, along with shortcomings in water reduction and reuse initiatives and the publication of environmental information online. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted investments will be crucial for ensuring the sustainable expansion of Brazilian ports. Furthermore, this study underscores the need to modernize the IDA framework by incorporating new indicators, such as carbon footprint assessment and stakeholder engagement. Updating the index would enhance the assessment of Brazilian ports, aligning them with global sustainability standards and strengthening their competitiveness in the maritime industry.