Salvador city council in Brazil has authorised BR Marinas, the largest marina network in Latin America, to prepare technical, environmental, economic and legal studies for a proposed marina at Ponta do Humaitá, a waterfront area in the Cidade Baixa district.
Issued through the municipal secretariat for economic development, employment and income (SEMDEC), the authorisation follows a proposal submitted by BR Marinas earlier this year as part of a potential public-private partnership.
The assessment will cover a proposed nautical complex, including dry storage for sport and recreational vessels, nautical infrastructure, tourism, leisure and commercial activities. To determine how the project could work at the site, the studies will look at its physical and environmental conditions, from topography and bathymetry to marine and terrestrial fauna and flora, as well as potential environmental impacts and compatibility with Salvador’s urban development plan.
BR Marinas will also assess the project’s commercial and financial viability, covering demand, pricing, investment and operating costs, to establish the appropriate legal and contractual model. The studies are due within 180 days, with reimbursement capped at $1.6 million Brazilian reais (over $311,000 USD).
Authorities said the development could help grow Salvador’s blue economy and expand nautical capacity. It could also help meet demand from more than 2,500 vessels, attract private investment and support tourism, watersports, specialist services and local trade.
