JBS Terminals Signals Interest in Renewing Operating Contract at the Port of Itajaí

JBS Terminals, the logistics arm of food industry giant JBS, has officially confirmed its intention to participate in the upcoming auction for the management of the leased area at the Port of Itajaí, in the state of Santa Catarina. The strategic move aims to ensure continuity of operations for another 30 years—a crucial period for maintaining and expanding the group’s port logistics activities, which are fundamental to its exports and imports.

The decision underscores the importance of Santa Catarina’s port infrastructure to the company’s global operations, which depend on efficient terminals to handle its extensive production flows. The Port of Itajaí, in particular, is a vital hub for cargo movement in southern Brazil, directly impacting agribusiness and local industry.

Competition for the lease is expected to be intense, with other logistics and port companies eyeing the opportunity to manage one of the country’s leading container ports. JBS Terminals, however, seeks to leverage its current experience at the site to submit a strong, competitive bid.

Itajaí: a port of strategic importance

The Port of Itajaí ranks among Brazil’s most important ports, especially in containerized and refrigerated cargo handling. Its strategic location on the coast of Santa Catarina makes it an essential hub for the state’s—and, by extension, southern Brazil’s—foreign trade, connecting industrial and agricultural production to global markets.

Management of the leased area is a cornerstone of the port’s operational capacity, directly influencing the speed of customs clearance and overall supply chain efficiency. The continued presence of an experienced operator such as JBS Terminals can be seen as a stabilizing factor for future port activities.

The following is an overview of the recovery in container throughput—covering both export and import flows—between 2022 and 2025. The data is sourced from the DataLiner platform.

Port of Itajaí | Container Throughput | 2022 vs. 2024 vs. 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Past performance and the future of port management

The current concession at Itajaí is nearing its end, opening the door to a new cycle of investment and management. Historically, JBS Terminals has been an integral part of local operations, handling significant cargo volumes, including animal proteins and other high-value-added products.

The future operator—selected through a public auction—will be responsible for driving modernization and expanding port capacity. This new 30-year contract will not only redefine operational leadership but also set the development horizon for port infrastructure, adapting it to the growing demands of international trade and technological innovation in the sector.

A long-term focus is essential to plan and execute the necessary upgrades, ensuring the port remains competitive and continues to serve as an economic engine for the region. Prior operational experience may be a key differentiator in bid evaluations.

Expectations for the 30-year auction

The auction for the 30-year lease of the area at the Port of Itajaí is being closely watched by the market. Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) and the Ministry of Ports and Airports are responsible for conducting the process, which is expected to follow strict guidelines to ensure transparency and fair competition.

Interested companies will need to present robust investment plans that cover improvements to existing infrastructure, as well as the acquisition of new equipment and technologies. JBS Terminals, with its in-depth knowledge of local port dynamics, is preparing to demonstrate its technical and financial capacity to continue and expand terminal management.

Economic impact on the state of Santa Catarina

Renewal or change in the management of the port area in Itajaí will have a significant impact on Santa Catarina’s economy. The port is a vital link for the state’s industries—particularly food, textiles, and metalworking—which rely on its facilities for exports and imports.

Maintaining efficient, investment-driven management can generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting regional development. Moreover, a competitive port translates into lower logistics costs for companies, making Santa Catarina’s products more attractive internationally.

Operational stability is also a key factor in attracting new investments to the region, consolidating Santa Catarina as a logistics and industrial hub. Continued management by JBS Terminals, for example, could provide a sense of security for established exporters.

Challenges and expected investments

The future concessionaire at the Port of Itajaí will face several challenges, including ongoing modernization, process optimization, and adaptation to new technologies. The 30-year investment plan must address capacity expansion, terminal automation, and improvements to both land and water access infrastructure.

Sustainability will also be critical, given the growing demand for greener, more energy-efficient port operations. Investments in cleaner equipment and rigorous environmental management practices aligned with global industry trends will be required.

The ability to respond to unforeseen events and ensure operational safety will be a decisive factor in bid evaluation. The winning company will play a fundamental role in ensuring the port continues to operate with excellence, regardless of future economic or technological scenarios.

JBS Terminals already has a track record of continuous investment in its logistics operations, positioning it favorably to present a plan that addresses these multiple fronts. It is expected that its proposal will include significant improvements that benefit the entire foreign trade chain.

JBS Terminals’ vision

JBS Terminals emphasizes that its primary objective is not only to maintain but to enhance the operational excellence of the Port of Itajaí, contributing to the economic growth of Santa Catarina and Brazil. The company views renewal of the lease as a natural extension of its strategy of vertical integration and logistics optimization, strengthening its presence at one of the most strategic points along Brazil’s coastline for agribusiness and industry.

Source: Mix Vale

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