Antaq Authorizes Public Port Areas for JBS Container Operations

The National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) has authorized the densification of public areas at the Port of Itajaí for container operations by JBS Terminais. The company filed the request in February, and the favorable decision was issued last month. In a recent statement, the Itajaí Port Workers’ Intersyndicate expressed concern about the potential impact of this measure on general cargo operations.

Port densification enables the expansion of the port’s physical area to increase cargo handling and storage capacity. At Itajaí, the project involves using Area B (berths 3 and 4) of the public quay, connecting the Adjacent Customs Enclosure (RAC) to the port’s primary zone, and demolishing Warehouse 3 in the public yard, among other upgrades. JBS is expected to invest R$ 23 million immediately.

According to Antaq, the densification project covers 61,340.33 m² — including 13,340.33 m² in Area B of the public quay and an additional 48,000 m² encompassing 31,000 m² of primary area and 17,000 m² of back area. Altogether, the company’s contract will cover 141,286.75 m². In practice, JBS would “dominate” the port, eliminating the current separation between public and leased areas within the same terminal.

The company argues that the densification will lead to operational gains, reduced costs, and better infrastructure utilization. Using the public area would increase storage capacity by 2,100 TEUs, bringing the port’s total capacity to 10,047 TEUs. The expansion would also support an increase in projected container handling from 44,100 to 49,335 TEUs per month.

Below is a historical overview of cargo throughput from Itajaí Port. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Cargo Throughput from Itajaí Port | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In approving the request, Antaq highlighted JBS’s investment plan to improve operations and logistics. The National Secretariat of Ports noted that, in addition to immediate benefits, the investment would accelerate infrastructure improvements planned for the definitive lease. The proposal is also aligned with the future concession model, which envisions a single operator at the port.
“The proposed R$ 23 million investment will modernize port infrastructure, including paving, electrical upgrades, surveillance system updates, and berth reinforcement, enhancing operational safety and efficiency,” the secretariat stated in a technical note.

There will be no changes to the payment terms in JBS’s lease contract — fees will continue to be based on cargo volume. The minimum monthly target of 44,000 TEUs remains in place, and the densification must not negatively impact general cargo operations.

Port Workers Voice Concerns
The Itajaí Port Workers’ Intersyndicate submitted a formal statement to the National Secretariat of Ports on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the use of public port areas for container operations. The letter, signed by Intersyndicate President and Stevedores’ Union head Ernando João Alves Júnior (aka “Correio”), warns that expanding containerized cargo operations throughout the port threatens the continuity of general cargo activities.

Although Antaq stated that densification must not hinder general cargo operations, Correio argues that using public areas and demolishing Warehouse 3 will not support general cargo demand and could harm related jobs.

To avoid negative impacts, the Intersyndicate is calling for a new area to be designated for general cargo. They are urging the federal government to include this investment in the port’s upcoming auction, expected to be launched next year.

“We request that federal funds be allocated for acquiring new areas to maintain general cargo operations. Although millions have been announced for investment in the Port of Itajaí, acquiring new areas hasn’t been addressed — and we believe this must be prioritized,” Correio stated.

The statement also calls for the creation of a parking yard for container trucks. Currently, the lack of such a space results in long queues at the port entrance during peak traffic, negatively impacting urban mobility. JBS claims that densification will bring greater operational efficiency and shorter waiting times, potentially easing truck traffic around the port.

Investments in Port Expansion and Modernization
Densification and infrastructure improvements at the Port of Itajaí are part of a federal investment package announced during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to the city in May. The package totals R$ 844 million and includes infrastructure, modernization, and capacity expansion projects for the port complex.

At the fish terminal, the RAC and surrounding primary area densification project is valued at R$45 million and will enhance the port’s operational capacity. Located between Blumenau and Caninana streets, the 25,000 m² RAC area will be integrated into the main yard as part of the expansion plan.

Other projects include R$ 20 million for upgrades to the electrical and lighting networks and R$ 12 million for the purchase of a new scanner. In the process of resuming full operations, JBS projects increased cargo volumes in the coming months, aiming to reach the port’s current maximum capacity of 558,000 TEUs per year. The company also announced R$ 90 million in new investments and two new shipping lines to expand its operations.

Technical Group to Discuss Creation of Itajaí Port Authority
The National Secretariat of Ports has created a technical working group to study the establishment of a new federal public company to serve as the Port Authority for the Port of Itajaí, replacing the Port of Santos. The move fulfills a promise made by Ports Minister Silvio Costa Filho during the presidential visit in May.

The group has 90 days to complete its work. It will carry out technical, legal, administrative, and financial assessments regarding the new company’s creation and its appropriate legal framework. It will also evaluate the potential impact on port activities and existing contracts at the Port of Itajaí.

Once completed, the final report will serve as the basis for drafting a Provisional Measure (MP) to formally create the Port of Itajaí Authority, under the Ministry of Ports. With the establishment of the new entity, the port complex will gain greater autonomy and its governance structure.

Source: Diarinho

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