Imbituba Port Breaks Operational Records, Boosts ESG Efforts, and Ramps Up Infrastructure Investments

Through November 2024, the Port of Imbituba broke productivity records, surpassing the results of the entire year of 2023 with over 7.8 million tonnes of cargo handled.

SCPAR, the managing authority of the Imbituba Port Complex, reported an 11.6% increase in cargo throughput compared to the same period in 2023, achieving a historic record for annual productivity.

Significant Achievements and Growth

According to Ivan Amaral, Secretary of Ports, Airports, and Railways (SPAF), the numbers confirm the port’s consistent growth. “This is a significant result for the Port of Imbituba. These figures reflect the collective effort that has strengthened Santa Catarina’s logistics performance and the economy of the southern region,” Amaral stated.

Urbano Lopes de Sousa Netto, CEO of the Imbituba Port Authority, highlighted the 11 months of achievements and announced substantial future investments. “For next year, we plan to invest around R$70 million to ensure the continuous expansion and strengthening of our port operations,” he said, underscoring the port’s steady development and move toward operational growth.

As of November, the port had received 306 vessels, marking a 15.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Key commodities included petroleum coke, containers, salt, bulk sugar, soybean, and corn meal.

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

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

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In 2024, exports accounted for 50.7% of total operations, with an 8% increase in tonnage compared to 2023. Imports made up 39.3% of operations, growing by 21.7%. Coastal shipping (cabotage) accounted for 9.2% of the port’s total cargo movement, though it saw a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year.

Solid bulk cargo dominated operations, exceeding 6.2 million tons, a 7.5% increase compared to 2023. Petroleum coke stood out, with over 1.8 million tons handled in 2024, followed by salt, bulk sugar, soybean and corn meal, and wheat.

Economic Impact

The Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services reported that Imbituba’s import and export operations generated over $2.1 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, a 19.8% increase over the same period in 2023.

Infrastructure and ESG Investments

Imbituba is advancing its infrastructure with significant projects, including the rehabilitation, reinforcement, and expansion of Berth 3. Additional improvements in 2024 include drainage installation at Berth 1, the construction of a new international-standard energy substation, a parking facility for port users, 3 km of new walkways for worker safety, and the approval of the Port Authority’s Fire Prevention and Protection Project (PPCI). Upcoming projects include a new social facility at Berth 2, recovery of the breakwater, removal of rocks near Berth 1, and construction of a mooring dolphin at Berth 2 to increase ship-handling capacity.

Environmentally, Imbituba took significant steps toward port decarbonization, joining the Brazilian Alliance for Port Decarbonization. The port now operates a photovoltaic energy system that generates 15% of its energy needs from solar power.

Environmental monitoring efforts culminated in completing the Area Plan for the Ports of Imbituba and Laguna (PA-PIL), submitted to Santa Catarina’s Environmental Institute. This plan defines procedures for addressing oil pollution incidents.

Community Engagement and Recognition

The Port Authority welcomed 66 groups in its “Open Doors” program, including 45 educational institutions, 11 institutional visits, and 10 community groups.

In 2024, the port supported 28 projects, investing around R$ 660,000 through sponsorships and the Municipal Program for Cultural Incentives (Procult).

SCPAR also received five awards for its governance, management, and socio-environmental initiatives. Internally, it launched a comprehensive employee management program focusing on well-being, mental health, and workforce integration.

Source: SCPAR Imbituba Port Authority Press Office

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