Port of Itajaí boosts local economy with new ship lines

The Port of Itajaí has resumed container ship operations and is on track to handle 77.5 thousand TEUs, or 45 thousand units, by December 2024. These volumes, bolstered by three active freighter services and two additional lines launching next month, are expected to stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and boosting income.

JBS Terminais/Seara, the port’s new terminal operator, has already processed three ships at its leased berths (1 and 2) this month, with eight more vessels expected by the end of October. Five freighters have already called in the public area (berths 3 and 4).

The Maersk Lamanai, a 300-meter-long, 45.2-meter-wide vessel, was the first ship to dock at the leased berths after customs clearance. Other cargo vessels, including the Irenes Wisdom and MC Breda, have also called at the terminal, with the latter docking on Wednesday, October 16.

“With operations now in full swing, JBS Terminais/Seara expects to move around 55 thousand TEUs in November, surpassing the minimum contractual target of 44 thousand TEUs. This will strengthen foreign trade and further solidify Itajaí’s position on the global logistics map. We are confident this marks the beginning of a new growth phase for our port,” said Fábio da Veiga, Superintendent of the Port of Itajaí.

Simultaneous Ship Operations

On Friday, October 18, the port handled four ships at once across its leased and public docks, a clear indicator of growing activity. Maersk Leon and Irenes Rules docked at berths 1 and 2, managed by JBS/Seara, while the vessels An Ding Hai and Emerson Confidence were moored at public berths 3 and 4.

Five Regular Shipping Lines

The new lessee has secured five regular shipping lines for the Itajaí terminal. Three lines—Norcoast (Santos-Paranaguá), Hapag Lloyd (Santos-Paranaguá), and MSC (Paranaguá-Santos)—are already in operation. Two additional services from Maersk and MSC are set to launch in November.

“We are entering a new phase of development, not just for our company but for the entire Itajaí region. This project extends beyond our operations, as it will generate jobs and invigorate the local economy, reinforcing Itajaí’s role as a key port hub in Brazil. It’s a proud moment for all of us,” said Aristides Russi Junior, CEO of JBS Terminais/Seara.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

The increased container activity is set to have a positive economic impact on Itajaí and the surrounding areas, creating jobs and benefiting companies involved in foreign trade and cargo transportation. Seara’s arrival alone has resulted in 230 new direct jobs at the port.

“The return of container operations to the Port of Itajaí after 18 months of challenges and persistent efforts is a cause for celebration. This milestone not only marks a resurgence for the port but also sets the stage for further economic growth. More ships mean more jobs, opportunities, and business for those who rely on port activities,” said Itajaí Mayor Volnei Morastoni.

General Cargo Operations

General cargo handling at the port’s public berths has proceeded smoothly throughout 2024. In total, 20 general cargo vessels and ten car carriers have docked at the terminal, handling 349,426 tons of cargo so far this year.

Notably, 6,908 imported BMW vehicles were processed at the port, alongside other key cargoes such as steel, sugar, and wood. Additional ships are expected to unload chemicals and sugar at the terminal in October, and two more vessels are scheduled to unload vehicles in November.

Cruise Activity

The last cruise season was the busiest in Itajaí’s history, with 42 ship calls and 113,000 passengers passing through the port from December 2023 to April 2024. Itajaí is also the only port in Santa Catarina facilitating transatlantic embarkations and disembarkations.

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