Itaguaí port establishes itself in 2024 as a hub for New Panamax Ships

Shipping companies are increasingly turning to New Panamax vessels, which measure 366 meters in length and offer high cargo capacity. These massive ships provide substantial economies of scale, reducing operational costs per unit of cargo. They are also more fuel-efficient and equipped with advanced technologies that lower pollutant emissions, aligning with the maritime sector’s growing focus on sustainability.

In August 2024, the Port of Itaguaí reached a major milestone, becoming the first port in Rio de Janeiro to receive a New Panamax-class container ship. The MSC Orion, 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, docked at Sepetiba Tecon, the port’s container terminal. Since then, nine additional New Panamax vessels have called at the terminal, solidifying Itaguaí’s reputation as a leader in handling large ships in Rio de Janeiro.

Francisco Martins, president of PortosRio, attributes this achievement to the organization’s strategic vision and focus on enhancing the efficiency of Brazil’s ports. “This milestone underscores our strategic importance in global trade, attracts new business opportunities, and contributes to Brazil’s economic growth. We are well-prepared to meet future challenges and deliver outstanding results,” Martins said.

The success of New Panamax operations at the Port of Itaguaí also stems from significant investments by Sepetiba Tecon in modernizing and expanding its infrastructure. Enhancements included dredging, improved nautical signaling, and adjustments to maneuvering areas, the turning basin, and terminal berths. The Rio de Janeiro Pilots Association played a key role, conducting maneuver simulations at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in the United States. Additionally, strict environmental standards were implemented to ensure safe dockings.

All ten New Panamax dockings in 2024 were carried out without incident. Each involved 20 maneuvers—10 entries and 10 exits—executed with precision and safety. Marcello Camarinha, vice president of the Rio de Janeiro Pilots Association, credited this success to years of meticulous planning, thorough studies, and accurate simulations.

“This accomplishment was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Pilots Association, Sepetiba Tecon, shipping companies, and other entities,” Camarinha noted. “The ability to handle New Panamax vessels positions the Port of Itaguaí among an elite group of ports worldwide. This capability not only enhances the port’s commercial and logistical advantages but also strengthens connections between Brazilian ports already handling large vessels and encourages others to follow suit.”

One of the Port of Itaguaí’s standout advantages is its strategic location. Its access channel is protected by the Marambaia Sandbank, which separates Sepetiba Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring calm and safe waters shielded from adverse weather and silting.

Situated in Brazil’s Southeast region, close to key importers and exporters, Itaguaí is just 12 hours from the Port of Santos, Brazil’s largest port, making it a critical link in the country’s trade network. Sepetiba Tecon also benefits from excellent rail and road access, strategically positioned away from urban centers, which simplifies container handling for vessels of this size.

Pedro Brito, CEO of Sepetiba Tecon, emphasized that the successful handling of 10 New Panamax ships in 2024 has firmly established the Port of Itaguaí and Sepetiba Tecon as national benchmarks. “This achievement is the result of a strategic location, a 15.4-meter draft—the deepest on South America’s East Coast—robust infrastructure, and, most importantly, the technical expertise of our team,” Brito said. “Together, these factors make Sepetiba Tecon a strong and reliable brand, contributing significantly to the growth of Rio de Janeiro’s and Brazil’s foreign trade.”

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