Port of Santos Must Embrace Technology to Improve Global Standing, says Expert

The Port of Santos lags behind by about five to ten years compared to the world’s most modern terminals in terms of automation technology and digitalization of operations. However, it remains one of Brazil’s most modernized ports and has a promising future due to recent investments. This assessment comes from Ricardo Pupo Larguesa, co-founder of T2S and a specialist in systems development.

“While ports like Rotterdam (Netherlands) are already operating ‘ghost terminals’ without workers on site, Santos is still undergoing modernization, with recent investments aimed at upgrading equipment and implementing advanced technologies,” Larguesa says.

For example, Itapoá Port has already initiated remote operations, showing that some Brazilian terminals are ahead in automation, Ricardo explains.

One example of investments at the Port of Santos is the 20-year contract renewal of Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP), which plans to invest R$ 1.9 billion in advanced technologies, equipment electrification, and a 40% expansion of operational capacity.

“Moreover, the acquisition of a 48% stake in Santos Brasil by the CMA CGM Group and the potential bidding for the STS10 (a container terminal at the Saboó pier) indicate a trend toward greater innovation and efficiency. The goal is to transform Santos into a leading hub in Latin America, aligning with international automation standards,” he notes.7

The chart below reveals the performance of container exports and imports at the Port of Santos between January 2022 and August 2024, measured in Twenty-Foot-Equivalent Units (TEUs). The information comes from DataLiner, a Datamar-developed product.

Santos Container Exports & Imports | Jan 2022 – Aug 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Global Trend

Maxwell Rodrigues, a port consultant for the Tribuna Group, also highlighted Santos Brasil’s focus on remote automation for its equipment, calling it a natural trend that all will eventually need to follow as it reflects a global reality.

“Port automation in Brazil has been progressing over the years. We can say that the Port of Santos, especially the private terminals, have already been investing heavily in this area of automation,” says Maxwell.

He emphasizes that automation is critical for the Santos port complex to remain competitive, allowing it to handle increasingly more cargo efficiently and quickly.

“The outlook for the future is that all ports and terminals in Brazil will need to adapt to this global reality, not just the Port of Santos.”

Other Initiatives

The Private Port Terminals Association (ATP) also highlighted DP World’s initiatives in this area in a written statement. One project involves using artificial intelligence (AI) for vehicle scheduling control.

There is also a plan to implement AI for reading railcars, though this is exclusive to Suzano, a pulp producer with which DP World has a logistics and port service contract.

“Although we are still behind compared to the rest of the world, Brazil is developing several innovative solutions in this area. An example is the automatic spreader developed by Portocel, which can be found globally. The equipment enables automatic handling of cellulose bales,” the ATP comments.

The entity also underscores the importance of 5G, which is considered crucial as autonomous vehicles require a continuous, real-time connection. “Brazil does not yet have a fully automated port terminal where machines and equipment are controlled 100% remotely. However, we are seeing that several terminals in the country are increasingly adapting to enhance their automation efforts,” it concludes.

Source: A Tribuna

Click to access the original reporting: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/porto-de-santos-precisa-avancar-em-tecnologia-para-igualar-outros-portos-no-mundo-diz-especialista-1.437168        

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