Lease expected to increase São Sebastião Port’s handling capacity by 187%

Under the administration of Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), the port on São Paulo’s northern coast is entering a new phase of recovery and expansion. The state-owned company, linked to the Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (Semil), is leading a series of projects to modernize the terminal, attract new investments, and recover historical cargo flows.

On Tuesday afternoon (21), the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, visited the port to monitor preparations for the lease of terminal SSB01 — a process led by the federal government in partnership with the State of São Paulo. Scheduled for March 2026, the concession is expected to expand the port’s handling capacity by 187% and drive economic development across the region.

According to federal government data, the project foresees R$2.5 billion in private investment and the creation of around 5,000 jobs during the construction phase, plus 1,300 permanent positions. The new operational area will cover 426,000 square meters and include a pier with two berths.

After completion, the port will be able to handle up to 4.3 million tonnes per year — four times its current volume — and operate up to 1.3 million containers annually. Studies are also underway on a potential adjustment to the lease model to preserve one of the berths for public use.

See below a historical record of long-haul cargo movement at the Port of São Sebastião starting from January 2022. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data:

Long-haul Cargo Movement at the Port of São Sebastião | Jan 2022 to Aug 2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

CDSS president Ernesto Sampaio said the company aims to “restore the port’s prominence and ensure growth occurs sustainably and in harmony with the surrounding region.” He added that “the Port of São Sebastião has once again drawn private sector attention and is consolidating itself as a viable logistics alternative for the state. The focus is on ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability throughout every phase of expansion.”

With one of the deepest natural channels in the country, the Port of São Sebastião is among the few Brazilian terminals capable of receiving deep-draft vessels without constant dredging — a factor that lowers operating costs and increases attractiveness for new cargo.

By September, the port had handled 1.12 million tonnes, mainly soda ash, malt, wheat, sugar, and industrial equipment.

During the visit, Minister Silvio Costa Filho praised the state company’s leadership in the expansion effort. “CDSS’s management has been essential for placing São Sebastião back on the national port map. The lease project will ensure a new operational scale and attract major investors,” he stated. The bidding process is expected to be approved by Brazil’s Federal Audit Court (TCU) later this year.

Source: Tamoios News

Sharing is caring!