Port of Itaqui posts best January on record with 44% growth

The Port of Itaqui began 2026 with historic milestones for Maranhão’s logistics sector. In January, the port handled 2,089,908 tonnes of cargo, marking the strongest January performance in its history.

The figure surpassed the previous January record set in 2015 and represented a sharp 44.1% increase year-on-year. Throughput also came in 42.4% above the port authority’s internal target for the start of the year.

The result was driven by both agribusiness exports and strong activity in the fuels segment.

According to Itaqui Port Authority President Oquerlina Costa, the January numbers reflect the port’s operational maturity.

“Starting 2026 by breaking a record that stood for more than a decade shows we are on the right track. Growth of more than 40% is not just a statistical result; it reflects the joint effort of our teams, investments in efficiency, and the Maranhão state government’s commitment to turning logistics into development,” she said.

Despite the surge in demand, the port exceeded productivity targets in its main operations. In mechanized solid bulk handling, average productivity reached 979 tonnes per hour, well above the technical benchmark. Liquid bulk operations also posted strong performance, averaging 873 tonnes per hour.

Liquid bulk was one of the main growth drivers, exceeding planned volumes by 53%. Petroleum derivatives and complex warehousing operations totaled more than 523,000 tonnes, including 11 ship-to-ship operations.

At the same time, agribusiness flows remained strong even during the off-season. Solid bulk volumes came in 48% above target. Corn and soy shipments — the latter significantly higher than initially forecast — combined with fertilizer imports essential for the upcoming Brazilian crop cycle, reinforcing Itaqui’s role as a key link in the country’s production chain.

Source: Porto de Itaqui

Sharing is caring!