Port of Itajaí Grows 127% in Eight Months Compared to All of Last Year as Ministry Outlines Definitive Lease Timeline

Cargo throughput at the Port of Itajaí (SC) from January to August was 127% higher than the total recorded last year, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports, which this week presented the timeline for the port’s definitive lease. The Ministry plans to send the technical model for the lease to the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) in November, followed by submission to the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU).

According to Antaq’s data from January to August 2025, the Port of Itajaí handled 2.5 million tonnes—more than double the 1.1 million tonnes moved in all of 2024. Cargo movement at the Santa Catarina port has intensified since the second half of the year, particularly in container operations.

Below is a historical chart of long-haul container movement at the Port of Itajaí since September 2024, when operations resumed after a period of inactivity. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data and includes only long-haul cargo, excluding cabotage, transshipment, and other internal movements:

Container Movement in Long-Haul Shipping via Port of Itajaí | September 2024 to August 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Beyond the definitive lease, one of the Ministry’s main projects for Itajaí is the concession of the access channel, scheduled to begin in early 2026. The process will follow the successful model used for the recent auction of the Port of Paranaguá, which attracted R$1.2 billion in investment.

The Ministry has also initiated the creation of the Santa Catarina Dock Company, underscoring the federal government’s and Brazil’s economic prioritization of the port.

“In May, alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, we announced the creation of a new port authority that will bring modernization, safety, logistical efficiency, and greater capacity, acting as a driver of economic development and improved quality of life for the population,” said the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.

“In 2023, when operations were halted, Antaq implemented a swift solution to resume activity at the Port of Itajaí through a temporary contract. Now it’s time to move forward with the definitive lease auction, ensuring new investments and restoring the port’s full potential for cargo movement and competitiveness,” stated Frederico Dias, Antaq’s director-general.

“The Itajaí container terminal has historically played a key role, especially in animal protein exports. After a year and a half of inactivity, the port is now showing strong results following the resumption of operations. Holding this auction is essential to restore Itajaí to its rightful place among Brazil’s leading ports,” added Alex Ávilla, the Ministry’s National Secretary for Ports.

Source: Porto de Itajaí