Brazil’s First HyperPort Feasibility Study Unveils Ground-breaking Potential
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT), in collaboration with leading Brazilian port logistics firm EGA Group and the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), has completed a pioneering feasibility study for the HyperPort system in Brazil. This study presents a game-changing approach to cargo and container transport, promising substantial economic, environmental, and logistical benefits.
With Brazil’s shipping demands on the rise, the HyperPort system could redefine freight transport, offering unprecedented speed, efficiency, and sustainability. The study outlines a high-speed cargo transport network, seamlessly connecting the Port of Santos to São José do Rio Preto via São Paulo. The implications for Brazil’s trade and logistics sectors are profound.
Key Takeaways from the Feasibility Study
The study highlights several critical findings that showcase the transformative impact of the HyperPort system:
- Route Efficiency – The proposed 549 km (341 miles) corridor links the Port of Santos with São Paulo, extending through major hubs like Campinas and São José do Rio Preto.
- High-Speed Cargo Transport – Operating at 600 km/h (370 mph), the system can move 5,600 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per day, significantly reducing transit times.
- Eco-Friendly Design – Unlike conventional infrastructure projects, the system bypasses environmentally sensitive areas, minimising ecological disruption.
- Traffic and Emissions Reduction – By easing highway congestion and cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions annually, the project supports Brazil’s climate goals.
This innovation could be the key to addressing Brazil’s growing logistics challenges while complementing infrastructure expansion efforts, such as the ongoing Imigrantes Road project.
Addressing Brazil’s Freight Crisis
The Port of Santos, Brazil’s largest and busiest port, handled a record-breaking 57 million tons of cargo in 2024—a 13.5% increase from the previous year. However, with shipping volumes continuing to climb, logistical bottlenecks threaten to slow economic growth.
To mitigate these challenges, the São Paulo state government is expanding the Imigrantes Road, introducing additional lanes and safety measures. Yet, road upgrades alone cannot resolve long-term freight congestion. The HyperPort system presents a revolutionary alternative, promising unparalleled capacity expansion without excessive costs.
By employing virtual coupling technology, the HyperPort system dynamically scales to meet increasing demand. Moreover, it reduces carbon footprints while optimising logistics, making it a sustainable solution tailored for a rapidly evolving global market.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Andrés de León, CEO, HyperloopTT: “This is another historic milestone for HyperloopTT. Since developing the HyperPort system with our partners at HHLA, we’ve engaged with numerous port operators and logistics providers worldwide. EGA Group in São Paulo was the first to embrace this groundbreaking technology, and the data from this study confirms that HyperPort will be a leading solution for the ports of the 21st century.”
Dr. Amir Mattar Valente, Professor at LabTrans: “This study marks a significant breakthrough in freight transport research, as it is the first to assess the feasibility of hyperloop technology for large-scale logistics operations. Hyperloop can revolutionise the sector by providing a fast, safe, and sustainable system that reduces CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Our analysis not only demonstrates the technical and economic viability of hyperloop in Brazil but also sets the stage for the future of logistics infrastructure, bringing much-needed innovation and efficiency to container transport.”
Eduardo G. Assumpção, CEO, EGA Group: “We see a clear opportunity to drastically reduce factory-to-port and port-to-factory freight costs while minimising cargo losses during transit. The implementation of HyperloopTT technology will help prevent these losses, especially in a country like Brazil, one of the world’s largest food producers.”
The Technology Behind HyperPort
HyperloopTT is an innovation company dedicated to advancing hyperloop technology—a high-speed, sustainable transportation system. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the company operates globally, with projects spanning North and South America, the Middle East, and Europe.
Developed with logistics in mind, the HyperPort system integrates advanced levitation, propulsion, and low-pressure tube technology to move shipping containers efficiently at near-airline speeds. The result? Faster deliveries, lower costs, and significantly reduced environmental impact.
The Role of EGA Group and LabTrans
EGA Group brings over 40 years of expertise in foreign trade, port logistics, and bonded warehouse operations. Through its EGA ECOSYSTEM—comprising EGA Transport, EGA Solutions, and EGABOX—the company provides tailored logistics solutions across Brazil. From project design to cargo import/export and storage, EGA Group continues to drive efficiency in Brazil’s freight sector.
Meanwhile, LabTrans at the Federal University of Santa Catarina plays a crucial role in transport and logistics research. Founded by Dr. Amir Mattar Valente in 1998, the institution develops advanced methodologies for multimodal transport systems, intermodal logistics, and traffic engineering. Its involvement in the feasibility study solidifies HyperPort’s credibility as a practical, forward-thinking solution.
The Future of Freight Transport in Brazil
As Brazil cements its status as a global trade powerhouse, investments in cutting-edge infrastructure are imperative. The HyperPort system represents a bold step towards a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient logistics network.
With a proven ability to streamline operations, reduce congestion, and mitigate environmental impact, this technology has the potential to reshape cargo transport in Latin America.
The study’s results highlight not just feasibility but an urgent need for hyperloop-enabled solutions in Brazil’s freight industry. As policymakers, investors, and logistics operators explore next-generation infrastructure, HyperPort stands out as a game-changing innovation ready for deployment.
