New Cruise Terminal in Praia Grande to Complement the Port of Santos, Says Grupo Peralta

Grupo Peralta has begun studies for constructing a new cruise terminal in Praia Grande, citing demand for a second facility of this size in the Baixada Santista region. In early December, a federal deputy and Praia Grande’s mayor-elect, Alberto Mourão (MDB), presented the project, named Litoral Plaza Port, to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.

The proposal aligns with ongoing discussions led by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), the Santos Port Authority (APS), the Santos City Hall, and the company Concais regarding the potential relocation of the Giusfredo Santini Maritime Passenger Terminal from Outeirinhos to the Valongo neighborhood. This move aims to boost tourism in the central area of Santos.

Structure and Project Justification

Grupo Peralta emphasized that the project was designed to “complement the operations of the Port of Santos,” addressing strategic demands identified through studies. The proposal outlines a plan for the new terminal in Valongo to offer three berths and the Praia Grande terminal to add two more, totaling five berths. The group said this would “ensure adequate infrastructure to serve passengers, workers, and cruise companies efficiently.”

The project is currently in the study and adjustment phase. It aims to expand port infrastructure and stimulate regional, state, and national economic growth. Grupo Peralta also highlighted its commitment to environmental preservation, assuring that the project will prioritize the protection of Itaquitanduva Beach, the Xixová-Japuí State Park, and surrounding areas.

The company’s conceptual images are subject to change as studies progress. Additionally, the terminal will be integrated into the shopping center at the city’s entrance, offering greater convenience for passenger embarkation and disembarkation. Further details will be announced as the project advances and necessary permits are obtained.

Economic and Tourism Benefits

According to Alberto Mourão, the terminal will significantly benefit regional tourism, fostering job creation and income generation while encouraging the development of new businesses. He considers the project a key milestone for expanding the tourism sector in the Baixada Santista region.

Criticism and Economic Viability

Despite Grupo Peralta’s optimism, experts have questioned the project’s viability. According to Ivam Jardim Arienti, a port consultant at Agência Porto Consultoria, the current volume of ships and passengers in Baixada Santista during the cruise season does not justify the construction of a new terminal in the area.

“The terminal planned for Valongo, with its three berths, is already sufficient to meet the current demand efficiently. A new terminal would entail extremely high costs and would be unlikely to pay for itself, given that passenger operations are seasonal and the current volume of cruise passengers is insufficient to sustain the investment,” Arienti explained. He also pointed out the challenges of rigorous environmental licensing requirements for the proposed area.

Port Authority Assessment

The Santos Port Authority (APS) acknowledged that “it is legitimate for the market to assess, study, and propose new port terminals outside the organized port, evaluating their economic viability.” However, it emphasized that, beyond demand, environmental impacts, neighborhood concerns, and navigation safety must be considered. “It is up to the Navy to evaluate the conditions for large vessel traffic in the proposed area,” the authority added.

Position of the Ministry of Ports and Airports

A Tribuna contacted the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) for comment, but it had not responded by the time this article was published.

Source: A Tribuna

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