Aqua Vias Wins São Paulo Ferry PPP to Operate 14 Crossings for 20 Years

Overview

• The auction at B3 on November 13 drew four bidders, with Aqua Vias prevailing to run, maintain and upgrade the network under a 20-year contract.
• The winning offer reflected a 12.6% discount on R$461 million in government payments tied to the public‑private partnership.
• The plan requires 45 new boats, 41 with electric propulsion, alongside standardized, refurbished terminals and upgraded passenger facilities.
• Base fares and legally mandated exemptions will be preserved, with the operator retaining 20% of fare revenue and the state covering the remainder through contractual payments.
• The system moves roughly 11 million passengers and 10 million vehicles annually across routes including São Sebastião–Ilhabela and Santos–Guarujá, with the overhaul aimed at easing queues and cutting an estimated 18,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.