Key Takeaways
- DP World and MRS Logística have launched an integrated multimodal logistics solution connecting Brazil's Central-West agricultural production region to the Port of Santos via road, rail, and port operations in a single flow.
- Cargo moves from inland production areas to REDEX facilities in Suzano, Jundiaí, and Paulínia, where it is containerized and transferred by rail to DP World's Port of Santos terminal for export.
- Shifting the long-distance leg to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to road transport, with each container train removing approximately 40 trucks from key highway corridors.
- The solution offers up to 84 TEUs per trip and provides exporters with greater supply chain predictability, storage flexibility, and guaranteed cargo acceptance at port.
- DP World is also advancing a separate agreement with Rumo to develop a new grain and fertilizer terminal at the Port of Santos, expected to reach annual capacity of 12.5 million tonnes upon completion in 2027.
DP World and MRS Logística Connect Brazil's Grain Belt to Global Markets via Rail
DP World and MRS Logística have launched a multimodal logistics solution designed to streamline agricultural export flows from Brazil's Central-West region to the Port of Santos. The integrated model combines road transport, rail operations, and port services into a single coordinated flow, targeting exporters of cotton, beans, sesame, sugar, and other commodities seeking more efficient and lower-emission access to international markets.
Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World in Brazil, described the rationale behind the model: “Brazil's agribusiness sector depends on efficient access to global markets. This integrated solution provides exporters with a more competitive and sustainable path to market. By connecting inland production regions with rail and port operations under one model, we are helping customers reduce complexity, improve supply chain predictability, and move exports more sustainably and efficiently,” said Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World in Brazil.
How the Route Works
Under the new arrangement, cargo originates from production areas in Brazil's Central-West and is transported by road to REDEX facilities — Special Customs Clearance Facilities for Exports — located in Suzano, Jundiaí, and Paulínia. At these sites, goods are containerized before being transferred by rail to DP World's terminal at the Port of Santos for onward export.
The model gives exporters a more predictable supply chain by combining guaranteed port cargo acceptance with increased storage flexibility and a fixed transport capacity of up to 84 TEUs per trip.
Marco Dornelas, Commercial Manager at MRS Logística, noted the complementary strengths each partner brings to the arrangement: “Our rail expertise, combined with DP World's state-of-the-art port infrastructure, enables Brazilian producers to reach global markets more quickly, cost-effectively, and in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Marco Dornelas, Commercial Manager at MRS Logística.
Environmental and Infrastructure Benefits
Replacing long-haul road transport with rail on the primary leg of the journey is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent. Each container train also removes roughly 40 trucks from congested highway corridors, easing pressure on road infrastructure that connects the Central-West to the coast.
The move aligns with broader demand from Brazil's agribusiness sector for more efficient and lower-carbon export logistics, as production volumes from inland regions continue to grow and strain existing road-heavy supply chains.
DP World's Broader Port of Santos Expansion
The MRS partnership extends DP World's existing multimodal footprint at Santos. The company already operates a cellulose logistics complex at the port, integrating warehousing, rail access, and port services as part of its long-standing arrangement with Suzano.
Looking further ahead, DP World is advancing an agreement with Rumo to develop a new grain and fertilizer terminal at the Port of Santos. The facility, expected to be operational in 2027, is projected to handle up to 12.5 million tonnes per year and will incorporate direct rail access into port operations, further tightening the link between Brazil's inland agricultural production regions and global commodity markets.
