Port of São Sebastião expands capacity, advances growth, and adds new access on São Paulo coast

The Port of São Sebastião, located on the northern coast of São Paulo state, has reached an average annual throughput of 1.5 million tonnes and will eliminate truck traffic from urban areas. With recent investments in landside access infrastructure and plans to handle containers within five years, São Paulo’s second port complex is positioning itself as an operational benchmark. The port is a public facility delegated by the federal government to the state.

In 2024 and 2025, cargo throughput exceeded the annual average recorded up to 2023 by more than 50%. Over the two-year period, 2.96 million tonnes were handled — 1.53 million tonnes in 2024 and 1.44 million tonnes in 2025 — surpassing any equivalent period in the previous four years.

The following breakdown details the leading solid bulk commodities handled at the Port of São Sebastião in 2025, encompassing both import and export flows. This data was sourced from Datamar’s DataLiner platform:

Top Commodities Handled | Port of São Sebastião | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

According to Ernesto Sampaio, CEO of the São Sebastião Port Authority (CDSS), the results mark a new operational level for the port. “We have effectively reached a new level of throughput,” he said.

Sugar and live cattle exports were the main drivers of growth. Bulk sugar became a key cargo following the signing of a temporary use agreement at the end of 2024. “In 2025, we handled around 473,900 tonnes of sugar. One-third of our total throughput is bulk sugar,” Sampaio said. In January, the commodity accounted for 59% of total cargo handled.

Live cattle exports are another key segment. Only three ports in Brazil handle this type of cargo: Rio Grande (RS), Vila do Conde (PA), and São Sebastião. “In 2025, volumes increased by 28% compared to 2024. International demand favors cattle raised in Brazil’s Southeast region,” he added.

Sampaio also highlighted logistics efficiency gains following the completion of the southern bypass of the Tamoios Highway in late 2024. “We now have direct access to the port, allowing trucks to avoid passing through the city center. A second exclusive access route is in the final stage of construction.”

With an investment of R$51.1 million, the new structure will enable direct truck access to the port, connecting the bypasses of São Sebastião and Caraguatatuba. “A fast and fluid operation improves conditions for truck drivers and reduces emissions,” he said.

The CDSS president also emphasized the truck screening yards in Caraguatatuba. “All export-bound trucks undergo screening before heading to the port, reducing traffic impacts and improving logistics.”

The Port of São Sebastião has maritime access through its northern and southern channels, with natural depths ranging from 18 to 25 meters and reaching up to 42 meters, reducing the need for dredging. “Eliminating dredging uncertainty adds value to operations,” Sampaio noted.

With the future SSB01 multipurpose terminal, whose auction is expected this year, the port will begin handling containers. Capacity is projected at up to 1.35 million TEU and 3.45 million tonnes of dry bulk per year.

“The expected investment is R$3.8 billion, with R$2.5 billion in the first phase and R$1.3 billion over the 35-year concession,” Sampaio said. The terminal will be geared toward container transshipment.

Sampaio said the key differentiator will be the ability to receive fully loaded large vessels. “No other port in Brazil will have a terminal with this draft,” he said.

The goal is not to compete with the Port of Santos, but to complement regional logistics. “Our role is to complement and attract cargo flows.”

More than 90% of operations are international, reinforcing the port’s position as an alternative to enhance Brazil’s competitiveness in foreign trade.

The port-city relationship is considered efficient, with a positive economic impact and without affecting urban mobility. Robson Wilson dos Santos, the city’s Director of Port Affairs, highlighted the cooperation between municipal, state, and federal authorities.

“The new road access has eliminated truck traffic from the city center, reducing congestion and accidents,” he said.

The next phase involves a direct exit from the port to the highway, which is expected to further improve logistics flow.

The port currently hosts six operators, generating more than 1,000 direct jobs.

Regarding the SSB01 terminal, expectations include increased employment and income, with planning in place to avoid uncontrolled growth.

The new terminal is expected to diversify cargo profiles and boost demand. With an investment of R$3.8 billion and a 35-year concession period, it will handle dry bulk, general cargo, and containers.

The Ministry of Ports and Airports said the project has undergone public consultation and is currently being refined. Its implementation is expected to strengthen the port’s strategic role, generating around 5,000 jobs during construction and 1,300 during operations.

Benefiting from its location, the port has strong growth potential, according to economist Roberto Paveck. Proximity to industrial hubs and improved access infrastructure support expansion.

“The trend is toward complementarity between ports, not direct competition,” he said.

Source: A Tribuna

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