Port of Imbituba Exceeds Expectations With Strong April Performance

The Port of Imbituba reported robust cargo throughput in April, handling approximately 684,000 tons. This performance underscores the port’s continued growth trajectory and effective management by the Port Authority.

For the first four months of 2024, the port has maintained an average monthly cargo throughput of 722,800 tons, representing a 15.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which averaged 624,100 tons. This exceeds the projected average of 700,000 tons for the year.

April saw the berthing of 28 vessels, marking a 7.7% increase over March and the best monthly result in 2024. The average cargo per vessel was 24,400 tons, indicating higher volumes per operation. Notably, there was a significant surge in imports, up 88.6% from March and 7.4% compared to April 2023, positioning imports as the dominant cargo flow. Conversely, exports dropped by 54% from March and decreased by 24.8% compared to April 2023.

The main commodities handled included petroleum coke, containers, corn, soybean meal, salt, soybeans, and barley. Container movement saw a notable increase, reaching 140,500 tons—the highest monthly total of the year and a 19.3% rise from March.

Year-to-date, exports have accounted for 55% of total throughput, with a 23.5% increase in tonnage compared to the same period last year. Imports comprised 36% of operations, reflecting a 14% rise over the first four months of 2023.

Cabotage, or domestic coastal shipping, represented 9.5% of the port’s activity in April, though it saw a 29.3% decline in tonnage compared to March.

Solid bulk cargo remained dominant, with a flow of 539,500 tons, representing 79% of total port movement. Petroleum coke, a significant component, reached 237,800 tons, marking a 128.7% increase from March. Other significant solid bulk commodities included corn, soybean meal, salt, soybeans, and barley.

According to Federal Government data, import and export operations at Imbituba generated over $748 million in the first four months of 2024.

Beto Martins, Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways (SPAF), acknowledged the positive trend, attributing it to effective port management. “This growth in productivity and cargo movement is a testament to the diligent work and management at the port,” Martins stated.

Urbano Lopes de Sousa Netto, CEO of SCPAR Porto de Imbituba, added, “These results not only solidify Imbituba as a competitive logistics hub but also reflect our ongoing commitment to better port management, benefiting all stakeholders involved.”

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