Santos Brazil Invests R$ 2.6 billion to Expand Port of Santos Capacity

Santos Brazil’s goal is to expand Tecon Santos’s capacity at the Port of Santos from the current 2.4 million TEUs to 3 million by 2026. To achieve this, the company has allocated R$2.6 billion, of which R$1.3 billion has already been invested.

The chart below compares container exports and imports at the Port of Santos between January 2021 and October 2024. The data is derived from DataLiner, a Datamar-powered intelligence product.

Santos Port | Exports & Imports| Jan 2021 – Oct 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In 2024, the company will inject R$420 million to increase capacity to 2.6 million TEUs. However, beyond equipment and yard work, the growth of Latin America’s largest container terminal is linked to technology. In an interview with A Tribuna, Ricardo Miranda, Santos Brazil’s Director of Technology, explained how technological innovation and sustainability will contribute to operational efficiency, better working conditions, and safety.

What technologies are included in Santos Brazil’s investment plan?

The level of digitization at the terminals is already quite advanced, with the use of IoT (Internet of Things), artificial intelligence, augmented reality, digital twin, video analytics, and automation. The cloud can accelerate innovation; nearly 40% of our processing is executed remotely. We aim to exceed 50% by 2025. We are adopting tools that change work routines, democratizing data analysis technologies, and personal assistants (generative AI).

Is Santos Brazil remotely operating the electric RTGs (yard cranes)?

Yes, we are pioneers in Brazil in operating 100% electric equipment remotely. Currently, 47 RTGs operate at the terminal, 39 of which are diesel-powered and will be decommissioned by 2031, and 8 are electric. Eight more electric RTGs have been ordered. This new generation of cranes has advanced safety mechanisms, including cameras, laser scanners, and sensors.

Is it safer for workers?

They move from a hostile and solitary work environment to a ‘standard office’ environment. Operators no longer need to climb 120 steps to reach the equipment’s control cabin. The physical limitations for selecting operators are eliminated. Without this technology, for instance, it would have been unthinkable for a pregnant woman to operate a crane. Now it’s possible. With remote operation, productivity is gained. Operators can sit or stand while working; the remote control desks are height-adjustable. Additionally, the controlled environment reduces the risk of occupational diseases.

What technologies will be implemented?

Digital technologies do not operate in isolation; we also invest in traditional ones like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), On-Premises, and cloud infrastructure. We aim for a balance in the integration of machines, people, and technologies. In 2025, we plan to adopt simulation stations for operator training and use private 5G in the container yard.

What is the cost-benefit?

In addition to financial calculations, we also have immeasurable benefits. In the case of e-RTGs, we prioritize the well-being of operators. Each electric machine avoids the emission of about 20 tons of CO2 per month into the environment. Technology brings productivity and regularity to our operations and is an essential component of our strategic goal to achieve Net Zero by 2040. Replacing all diesel-powered RTGs is one of the most impactful measures to reach this objective.

What is the return on investment in innovation?

We can capture the benefits either within the year or over a more extended period. For example, simulation stations for training offer a short-term return on investment. The investments we’ve made in connectivity, where we migrated our data network to SD-WAN (Software Defined Network) technology, started to show financial returns in the following years. We also invested in risk mitigation, such as cybersecurity. Besides technology, we also face infrastructure issues regarding the public roads around the port, labor laws, automation levels, tide alignment, and channel depth. Digital and operational technologies (IT and OT) are always relevant factors for increasing the competitiveness of ports.

Source: A Tribuna

Click here to read the original article: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/santos-brasil-investe-r-2-6-bilh-es-para-ampliar-capacidade-no-porto-de-santos-ate-2026-1.443042

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