Porto Itapoá celebrates 14 years of operations with the historic milestone of 10 million TEUs handled

As it celebrates its 14th anniversary this Monday, June 16, Porto Itapoá marks a historic milestone: 10 million TEUs handled since operations began in 2011. This achievement consolidates the terminal as one of the most efficient and strategic for Brazilian foreign trade. “This is a moment of great pride for our entire team and partners,” emphasizes Ricardo Arten, CEO of Porto Itapoá.
The terminal’s trajectory is marked by constant growth and by acting as a catalyst for economic and social development for the municipality and the entire region. In 2014, just three years after its opening, it reached the milestone of 1 million TEUs. In 2016, it doubled that volume, reaching 2 million, and the following year surpassed 3 million. “Each achievement reflects the result of hard work and continuous investment in infrastructure and technology,” adds Arten.

Growth more than three times the national average
In a recent announcement by ANTAQ, released regarding the first four months of 2025, Porto Itapoá ranked as the 2nd largest container handler in Brazil, with more than 269 thousand units recorded — a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding the national average growth rate (6%) by more than three times. The terminal maintains absolute leadership in the South Region of the country. In 2024, a total of 660,742 containers were handled, consolidating its leadership in Santa Catarina and securing third place in the national ranking.

Here is a historical overview of container throughput via the Port of Itapoá starting in January 2022. The charts were created using DataLiner data:

Container Throughput via Port of Itapoá | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Investments in expansion to meet growing demand
Currently, the terminal is carrying out Phase IV of its expansion, with investments of R$ 500 million. The project includes the expansion of 120,000 m² of yard space, which will be available by 2026, the addition of a new ship-to-shore crane (the terminal’s eighth), and the acquisition of 12 hybrid RTGs with remote operation — a pioneering technology in South America.

The modernization also includes the arrival of nine new terminal tractors (TTs), reinforcing Brazil’s largest electric fleet, with 20 vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy, as well as the addition of a third state-of-the-art scanner and the extension of the quay by 400 meters, enabling the simultaneous docking of three large vessels.

Unprecedented PPP to finance access channel expansion project
Another significant advancement is the unprecedented Public-Private Partnership with the Port of São Francisco do Sul, enabling the dredging of the access channel to the Babitonga Bay. The project, with an estimated investment of R$ 300 million, will allow the operation of vessels up to 366 meters long and with a capacity of 16,000 TEUs — the first in Brazil to operate with full cargo at this size. The dredging sediments will be used to restore the beaches of Itapoá, widening the sand strip and promoting coastal protection, tourism, and environmental sustainability.

“The modernization of the channel will further boost the Babitonga ports, which are already recording cargo throughput records. This means job creation, greater logistics efficiency, and a positive impact on the entire national economy,” concludes Arten.

The dredging works are expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2026. With this, Porto Itapoá reinforces its commitment to regional development and its vision: to become the largest and most efficient container terminal in South America.

Sharing is caring!