Maritime Geography and Main Ports of Brazil
Brazil is bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean over more than 7,400 kilometers of coastline, making it one of the countries with the longest maritime frontage on the South American continent. This coastal expanse gives it a strategic position for international maritime trade. Several major ports contribute to the country's economic dynamics. Among them, the Port of Santos is the largest and busiest in Latin America, handling a significant volume of exported goods, notably soybeans, iron ore, and manufactured products. The Port of Rio de Janeiro, historically important, is also a center for passenger and crucial cargo transport for the Brazilian economy. Paranaguá and Itajaí are key ports in southern Brazil, specialized in exporting agricultural products and natural resources. The quality of port infrastructure allows Brazil to maintain high operational efficiency, supported by continuous investments in modernizing and extending quays and port terminals.
Brazil's maritime geography is also marked by the presence of archipelagos and islands that play a role in maritime security and surveillance of territorial waters. The country has an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles, offering significant fishery and energy resources, notably in the offshore oil sector, with several oil installations active on the Brazilian pre-salt. This maritime wealth is supported by an integrated national maritime development strategy aimed at strengthening safety, security, and sustainable management of marine resources. Brazil also invests in projects to improve its capabilities for controlling and managing maritime flows, notably through advanced surveillance and coordination systems among different maritime trade and national defense actors.