366-meter vessel docks at Brazil’s Itaguai Port for the first time

On Monday, August 12th, the Port of Itaguaí, one of Brazil’s most important ports, observed a historic milestone marked by the arrival of the vessel MSC Orion. This was the first time a New Panamax vessel docked at the port and also the port’s first maneuver with a 15.4-meter draft. The massive container ship measures 366 meters in length and 51 meters in width. This unprecedented operation in the state of Rio de Janeiro took place at the Sepetiba Tecon terminal.

PortosRio, the Port Authority in control of the Port of Itaguaí, emphasized that the arrival of the MSC Orion embodies a significant gain for Rio de Janeiro’s logistics chain, reinforcing the port’s top-tier infrastructure in Brazilian foreign trade. The Port of Itaguaí, with its efficient maritime and land access, connects to major economic hubs in the region, which account for more than half of the nation’s GDP. The new shipping line offers an excellent direct export route to Asia, providing access to Brazil’s southeastern and central-western states.

During the event organized by Sepetiba Tecon, Felipe Fonseca, Superintendent of Planning and Business Development at PortosRio, representing President Francisco Martins, noted, “Itaguaí was the first port in Brazil to be approved by the Navy to receive 366-meter vessels. Today, we witness our hard work bear fruits, all thanks to the effective collaboration between the Port Authority, the Maritime Authority, the Pilots, and Sepetiba Tecon. This is an important milestone not only for the port but also for the state of Rio de Janeiro and the country.”

Pedro Brito, CEO of Sepetiba Tecon, celebrated the achievement, stating, “This is a moment of great joy. We have a unique terminal in Brazil with first-class maritime and land infrastructure that allows us to receive ships like the MSC Orion. We are committed to continuing our investments in the terminal, expanding the quay, and acquiring new equipment. This collaboration between the government and the private sector ensures the port’s success and bolsters Brazil in global trade.”

PortosRio President Francisco Martins also celebrated the accomplishment, stating, “The arrival of the MSC Orion at the Port of Itaguaí reaffirms our capacity to receive large vessels and highlights Rio de Janeiro’s importance as one of South America’s major logistics hubs. We are optimistic about the future of the state’s public ports, which are becoming increasingly efficient and competitive. With new leases planned for the Ports of Itaguaí and Rio de Janeiro, along with investments in infrastructure modifications, we are focused on the growth of our ports, which will attract more companies, routes, and cargo.”

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