Port of Imbituba surpasses 5.46 million tonnes handled in 2025 to date

The Port of Imbituba continues to consolidate its role as one of the major drivers of economic development in Santa Catarina and Brazil. From January to September 2025, the port registered 241 vessel calls and handled 5.46 million tonnes. In September alone, 695.4 thousand tonnes were moved, confirming the upward pace of operations.

The container segment continues on a steady growth trajectory, accounting for 18% of total cargo handled at the Port of Imbituba, with more than 980 thousand tonnes moved. This performance reinforces the port’s strategic role in the national logistics chain, especially in handling higher-value-added cargo and in integrated operations.

Exports totaled 2.26 million tonnes, driven mainly by shipments of calcined petroleum coke, green petroleum coke, corn meal, and bulk sugar — products that have strengthened Santa Catarina’s export profile and confirmed the port’s vocation for solid bulk logistics. Bulk sugar alone accounts for 10.6% of total cargo, up 28.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

On the import side, performance was even more robust, with 2.45 million tonnes unloaded. The top imported cargoes were bituminous coal, salt, and industrial inputs, underscoring the port’s strategic role in supplying the regional production chain.

Cabotage operations also maintained a strong presence, with 511 thousand tonnes exported and 130.9 thousand tonnes unloaded, a combined increase of 7.49% over the same period in 2024. Transshipment volumes rose sharply as well, with 51.2 thousand tonnes exported and 44.9 thousand tonnes unloaded — a 141.2% jump over 2024 — highlighting the port’s growing role as a multifaceted logistics hub.

Solid bulk cargo continues to lead operations, accounting for 77.5% of total throughput. Key products include calcined and green petroleum coke, bituminous coal, salt, and corn meal — all of which underpin the terminal’s record performance.

“The Port of Imbituba shows, month after month, that skilled management combined with solid technical investments results in sustainable growth. Imbituba is establishing itself as a modern and competitive port aligned with current logistics demands, a strategic asset for Santa Catarina with the capacity to attract new routes and foster high-value business for the state,” said the State Secretary for Ports, Airports and Railways of Santa Catarina, Beto Martins.

“We closed the third quarter with very strong results, reflecting the efficiency of our operations and our continuous commitment to sustainability. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue advancing with the dredging schedule, berth expansion, and the digitalization of logistics processes — initiatives that not only boost our operational capacity but also position the Port of Imbituba among the most competitive and modern in the country,” said Christiano Lopes, Imbituba Port CEO.

March and September stood out as the busiest months of the year, each handling more than 27 ships and recording volumes exceeding 695 thousand tonnes. If current momentum continues, the Port of Imbituba is expected to surpass 7 million tonnes of cargo by December.

Boost to job creation

The port’s strong performance is also positively impacting the local economy. The increase in cargo movement is driving direct and indirect job creation while strengthening the city of Imbituba’s services, transportation, and retail sectors. At the same time, port-city integration projects are advancing, combining urban sustainability, innovation, and improvements in the port’s surrounding areas.

With the expansion of the customs area, the launch of new shipping lines, and the strengthening of reefer container operations geared toward agribusiness, the Port of Imbituba is projecting continued growth and technological innovation, reaffirming its strategic importance to Santa Catarina, Brazil, and international trade.

According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), import and export operations in Imbituba handled more than US$1.26 billion from January to September 2025, consolidating the port’s status as a major contributor to Santa Catarina’s trade balance.

Source: Agência de Notícias SECOM

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