Itajaí Port Announces Policy Shift Allowing Cargo Operating During Cruise Season

The Santos Port Authority (APS) announced on Thursday (Dec 6) a new measure that will benefit independent dockworkers at the Port of Itajaí: general cargo operations will now be allowed to continue even when cruise ships are berthed.

“Adjustments have been made so that the public quay can continue operating cargo even while passenger vessels are docked, increasing job opportunities for workers,” said APS Operations Director Beto Mendes.

Until now, all cargo operations were suspended whenever a cruise ship was in port. While the arrival of passenger vessels boosts local tourism, it has also disrupted general cargo handling, leaving independent workers hired on demand without pay. With this new policy, APS–Itajaí will now permit cargo operations onshore at the public quay, even when berths are occupied by cruise ships.

The measure is expected to improve efficiency, ensuring cargo is ready for loading as soon as the cruise ships depart. Similarly, cargo already in the yard will be able to move freely without delays.

“It’s a relatively simple change, but one that creates jobs, generates income, benefits both workers and port operators and strengthens the port-city relationship by driving the local economy,” said APS President Anderson Pomini.

The chart below shows the top cargoes exported in containers throughout 2024 at the Port of Itajaí, according to DataLiner data.

Main Cargoes Moved in Containers | Port of Itajaí | 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Dredging Campaign Underway

APS also announced the start of a dredging campaign aimed at restoring the Port of Itajaí’s operating draft. The project, expected to take about ten days, will deepen the navigation channel (both inner and outer), alongside the berths and turning basins. Dredging operations began today.

Source: Porto de Itajaí

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