APS-Itajaí Secures New Environmental License Focused on Sustainable Growth and Operational Innovation

The Santa Catarina Environmental Institute (IMA) has granted the Port of Itajaí a new Operational Environmental License (LAO No. 1386/2025), valid for 48 months. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Santos Port Authority (APS), which took over management of the Santa Catarina port complex in January.

The new license replaces the previous one, which expires this month. However, as Sidnei Aranha, APS’s Environmental Superintendent, emphasizes, this is not a mere renewal but an entirely new license aligned with APS’s expansion plans and environmental rigor.

“This license reflects APS’s strategic outlook—combining operational efficiency with strict environmental standards,” said Aranha. “The authorities of Santa Catarina have acknowledged our responsible approach and embraced our environmental programs, particularly our partnership with Univali.”

APS President Anderson Pomini praised the joint effort between the Santos and Itajaí teams and IMA’s support. “In just four months, we completed the entire licensing process, already aiming for record-breaking cargo throughput, a hallmark of our company,” he noted.

Commitment to Sustainability

The license includes 16 detailed environmental programs, such as continuously monitoring the Itajaí-Açu River’s water quality with 288 samples collected annually, and quarterly sediment testing for heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Maintenance dredging—critical for navigation—will be carried out using Ocean Disposal Polygons (ODPs) with a total capacity of 31.4 million cubic meters, ensuring sediment disposal for a decade.

Innovative measures include containment barriers for liquid bulk, dust control during dry cargo transport, and drones to monitor sediment dispersion. The port has also expanded its Individual Emergency Plan (PEI) to ensure a swift response to environmental incidents. Monthly environmental education programs aim to engage local communities, fishers, and employees in sustainable practices.

Positive Results

Since APS took over, the Port of Itajaí has seen a 125% surge in revenue in its first 100 days, reaching R$50 million. João Paulo Tavares Neto, the port’s superintendent, also highlighted a strong fiscal impact, with ISS tax revenue for the city hitting R$900,000 in Q1.

“Today, the Port of Itajaí is thriving, with cargo ships arriving constantly. We also had the best cruise season in history, which directly boosts the local economy,” he added.

Sharing is caring!