Recife Cruise Terminal to Be Privatized Under 25-Year Deal

The Brazilian government has confirmed the start of a concession process that will transfer management of the Port of Recife’s cruise terminal to a private operator.

In a statement, officials said the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) gave approval for the project earlier this month. Opened in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the terminal will be leased through a 25-year agreement.

According to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, the bidding process is expected to launch in the second half of 2025. The selected operator will be required to invest close to $2 million (R$10 million) in upgrades.

Plans include expanding the terminal’s guest capacity by more than 60 percent, renovating around 15,000 square meters of space, and updating both security and boarding systems. Once completed, the facility’s annual capacity is projected to reach 50,000 passengers.

“The passenger terminal at the Port of Recife is one of the main entry points for international tourism in our state,” said Minister Silvio Costa Filho.

He added that following the improvements, cruise tourism in Recife is expected to return to the peak levels of the 2013-14 season, when the terminal handled 50,000 guests.

In addition to the modernization works, the future operator will be responsible for maintaining the facility throughout the lease period.

Located in Brazil’s Northeast, Recife is scheduled to host more than 15 cruise calls during the 2025-26 season. Visiting ships will include Viking Jupiter, Costa Favolosa, AIDAmar, P&O’s Aurora, Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor, Plantours’ Hamburg, and Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2.