Wilson, Sons is to invest an estimated US$1.8 billion to improve its port, logistics and maritime infrastructure until end-2017. The announcement was made Tuesday during a press conference for the Company’s first quarter results.

Wilson, Sons is one of Brazil’s largest port and maritime logistics operators. It has six operating segments: port terminals, towing, logistics, shipping, offshore activities and miscellaneous.

The plan’s capital expenditure items include: US$247 million to expand the Tecon Salvador container terminal and Rio Grande container terminal; US$382 million to purchase 40 new tugboats; US$842 million for offshore joint ventures; US$47 million for the Guarujá II shipyard expansion and US$155 million for the company’s Greenfield site in Rio Grande.

The plan excludes acquisitions and new concessions. For 2011 alone, expenditures will amount to US$260 million, according to the company’s quarterly results report. To finance the seven-year plan, US$450 million will be used from undrawn borrowing facilities, with additional resources coming from the merchant marine fund.

Wilson’s Chief Financial Officer, Felipe Gutterres, said the company’s business operations have great cash generation that will also be used for this financing. There is already a lot of financing security for this investment plan, Gutterres added.

The investment plan is for the organic growth of existing businesses supporting international trade, oil and gas, and the Brazilian domestic economy, the company said.

Wilson Sons Limited, through its subsidiaries, is one of Brazil’s largest providers of integrated port and maritime logistics and supply chain solutions.

With a business track record of over 170 years, the Company has developed an extensive national network and provides a comprehensive set of services related to domestic and international trade, as well as to the oil and gas industry.

Its principal operating activities are divided into the following lines of business: Port Terminals, Towage, Logistics, Shipping Agency, Offshore, and Shipyards.

Cezar Baiao, CEO of Operations in Brazil said the company believes the current expansion of its fleet, the container terminal in Salvador, and doubling of its shipbuilding capacity in Guaruja demonstrates its commitment to create value for its shareholders.

The realization of this investment plan will expand Wilson, Sons’ ability to deliver services of the highest quality, added Cezar.

The Company reported strong top-line growth, with net revenues of US$156.6 million, up 29% quarter-on-quarter, with volumes particularly strong in the Brasco oil and gas terminal, Logistics and Shipyards. Brasco revenue growth was an exceptional 120% compared to 1Q10, with both exploration and production activities increasing across our existing long-term clients.