Lula Oversees Port and Airport Facilities in Pará: "Belém Will Be a Different City after COP"

Improvements to the port terminal increase logistical capacity and strengthen the structure as a strategic hub for the economy of the Northern Region. During COP30, two cruise ships will be docked and serve as temporary accommodations

By the Presidency of the Republic

On Saturday, November 1st, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the inauguration of revitalized Port of Outeiro and the expanded and modernized Belém International Airport—two key infrastructure projects essential for the successful hosting of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will begin with the Summit of Heads of State on November 6 and 7.

“There were those who did not want us to bring COP to the North of the country, to Pará, claiming there was no infrastructure. Well, here is the infrastructure. This demonstrates that when there is political will and the ability to build alliances between federal entities and the interests of the Brazilian people, we can make things happen. Rest assured, Belém will be a different city after the COP,” stated the President in a video shared on his social media platforms.

President Lula praised the improvements to the port infrastructure and emphasized the record time for completion. “Today we delivered the revitalization works of the Port of Outeiro in Belém, completed in record time: initiated on April 17 of this year and finalized within six months. These works establish the Outeiro district as a strategic logistics base for the Northern Region and strengthen Pará’s export framework,” he declared.

ROUND-THE-CLOCK OPERATIONS - To ensure timely completion ahead of COP30, simultaneous work fronts were organized, operating 24 hours a day in three shifts. The President toured the renovated areas, which included the construction of 11 mooring dolphins, installation of 10 metal bridges, and the extension of the pier from 261 meters to 716 meters, now capable of handling 80,000 tons—double its previous capacity. He also reviewed the infrastructure designed to expand alternative lodging capacity during COP30.

ACCOMMODATION - The port is expected to host two cruise ships as temporary lodging options, with capacity for up to 5,000 participants. A newly constructed bridge will ensure rapid access—estimated at 25 minutes—between the terminal and official conference venues.

BIOECONOMY - During the visit, President Lula also highlighted the potential of Pará and the Northern Region for investment in the bioeconomy sector, which focuses on products and services that harness natural resources for economic and social development with minimal environmental impact. “I had the opportunity to visit the Bioeconomy Center here on a previous trip, and I believe that from now on, when we travel the world, we will not just talk about the automotive, mining, or mobile phone industries. We shall be able to call upon the global community concerned with climate preservation to invest in bioeconomy—possibly the most sacred path to preventing deforestation. When people are given economic purpose and the chance to live well by sustainably using nature’s offerings, we solve the problem. Pará can be the gateway to this new development model,” the President remarked.

PHOTOS – During his visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the completion of the infrastructure works, engaged with port workers, and posed for photographs accompanied by local and national authorities, including the Governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho; the Mayor of Belém, Igor Normando; and ministers Silvio Costa Filho (Ports and Airports), Marina Silva (Environment and Climate Change), Jader Filho (Cities), Rui Costa (Chief of Staff), and Celso Sabino (Tourism)

MOBILIZATION – Rui Costa emphasized that the completion of the port and other urban works reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts. “Many doubted that COP could be held in Belém, but there was significant mobilization, with teams working day and night. Now, we are ready to welcome representatives from 170 countries,” he stated.

“We are proud to present to the world a transformed city, with modern infrastructure and a lasting legacy. We are ready to receive representatives from 170 countries,” he added.

PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS – Helder Barbalho, the Governor of Pará, celebrated the progress and reaffirmed that the investments meet COP30’s operational needs while delivering long-term benefits. “Belém is advancing to ensure all facilities are ready to welcome COP participants and, most importantly, to leave behind legacies that allow us to move forward in infrastructure development,” he noted.

MONUMENTAL – Antônio Rogério Leite, one of the workers involved in the construction of the New Port, emphasized both the practical and symbolic importance of the project for the Island of Outeiro. “All of Brazil will see this major project. It was completed in record time—just six months. It was an urgent undertaking, aligned with the major event that will take place here in our state of Pará,” he said.

“This is monumental. It created jobs and income—this is where we earn our livelihood to support our families. Large ships will dock and operate here. It will bring great blessings,” Leite added.

INVESTMENT – With an estimated budget of R$233 million, the port works were executed by Companhia Docas do Pará (CDP) in partnership with Itaipu Binacional. The new port is designed to handle solid and liquid bulk as well as general cargo, responding to growing export demands for minerals, grains, and products from the food and energy industries. The project generated 744 jobs, 382 direct hires, 169 indirect jobs, and 193 third-party positions.

AIRPORT – Prior to visiting the port, President Lula toured the newly renovated Belém International Airport. He reviewed key improvements, including a tripling of the boarding area size, upgraded climate control systems, modernization of the aircraft apron and night lighting, and the implementation of advanced air navigation technologies. These upgrades expanded and modernized the passenger terminal and enhanced operational infrastructure for takeoffs and landings, positioning the airport among the most advanced in Northern Brazil.

R$450 MILLION – The airport expansion and modernization efforts received R$450 million in investments by the concessionaire Norte da Amazônia Airports (NOA). The new terminal, delivered nearly a year ahead of schedule, doubles the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 7.7 million to approximately 13 million—fully equipped to accommodate COP30 delegations.

COMFORT AND INCLUSION – The airport also introduced a multisensory room designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other conditions requiring controlled environments. Additional enhancements include new commercial spaces, communal areas, and furnishings inspired by Amazonian culture.

JOBS – The construction works generated over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and form part of the Brazilian Government’s broader initiative to modernize airport infrastructure across the Amazon region, with a focus on sustainable development and enhancing regional air mobility.

Translation: Michel Emmanuel Félix François (POET/UFC)
Proofreading: Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)