Port Authority of Santos Announces R$ 689 Million in Investments at the Port of Itajaí

The CEO of the Port Authority of Santos (APS), Anderson Pomini, has announced R$ 689 million in investments for the Port of Itajaí, covering eight projects scheduled for delivery between January 2026 and September 2030. The announcement was made during a joint meeting of the Infrastructure Council and the Transport and Logistics Chamber of the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (Fiesc), held virtually on Wednesday afternoon (7).

According to Pomini, the funds will come from the Santos Port Authority’s budget, under the federal government, which assumed control of the Itajaí port in January this year. During the meeting, he addressed the challenge of increasing the efficiency of public companies amid “excessive formalism and bureaucracy.”

“Based on this, we developed an action plan for the Port of Santos: ‘What port do we need?’ We’re thinking 20 years ahead, and the same approach will be applied to the Port of Itajaí,” said the executive.

Investments at the Port of Itajaí

The projects include:

• Dredging to deepen the channel to 16 meters
• Removal of the Pallas ship hull
• Upgrades to the Navegantes breakwater
• Improvements to the turning basin
• Early densification of the Bonded Customs Area (RAC) and surrounding areas
• Upgrades to energy substations
• Acquisition and installation of a new scanner
• Construction of a cruise ship berth

The cruise berth is the largest investment and the longest-term project, with R$ 300 million allocated and completion expected by September 2030.

According to Pomini, the channel deepening and removal of the Pallas hull will enable the port to receive vessels up to 366 meters long. He also emphasized the importance of local engagement.

Check below a historical overview of container movement at the Port of Itajaí following the resumption of operations. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Container Movement at the Port of Itajaí | Sep 2024 – Mar 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

“We value dialogue because, ultimately, the local community builds the port—especially entrepreneurs and those committed to infrastructure. Under this administration, Brazil has come to understand that logistics generate income, jobs, and business opportunities, and that these gateways to the world must be properly equipped.”

Business Community Concerns

Before leaving for meetings in Brasília with a Federal Court of Accounts minister, Pomini answered a few questions. After his departure, the superintendent of the Port of Itajaí, João Paulo Tavares Bastos, listened to concerns raised by business leaders.

The main issue raised was skepticism regarding the delivery timeline and the R$689 million total investment, which some considered insufficient. In comparison, Portonave announced R$1 billion in investments in May 2024.

“We’re grateful and supportive, but this decision wasn’t made in just three months,” said Bastos. He also noted that the Port of Santos already holds the announced funds without additional financing.

Full Project Schedule

Channel Dredging (-16m)

Investment: R$ 90 million

Completion: October 2027

Pallas Ship Hull Removal

Investment: R$ 23 million

Completion: January 2026

Navegantes Breakwater Upgrade

Investment: R$ 64 million

Completion: September 2028

Turning Basin Works

Investment: R$ 68 million

Completion: April 2027

Early Densification of RAC and Surroundings

Investment: R$ 45 million

Completion: December 2026

Energy Substation Upgrades

Investment: R$ 20 million

Completion: Not specified

Right Bank Containment Along the Avenue

Investment: R$ 67 million

Completion: September 2028

New Scanner Acquisition and Installation

Investment: R$ 12 million

Completion: December 2026

Cruise Ship Berth Construction

Investment: R$ 300 million

Completion: September 2030

Source: ND Mais

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