Port of Santos to Expand Railway Infrastructure

The Port of Santos will have three new rail lines starting in December. These are the Pátio do Macuco lines, which will serve the cellulose cluster on the Right Bank, and the Pátio de Conceiçãozinha, on the Left Bank, in Guarujá. The works are being carried out by the Porto de Santos Internal Railway Management Association (AG-Fips), which brought the schedule forward by eight months. The new lines will facilitate the flow of 40 million tons exported per year through grain and cellulose terminals.

The announcement, made on the 26th, by João Almeida, President of AG-Fips, and Anderson Pomini, President of the Santos Port Authority (APS), underscores the port’s commitment to modernization. These railways, part of a package of 13 mandatory structural works outlined in the transfer contract for the Porto de Santos Internal Railway (Fips), signify a significant investment in enhancing cargo handling capacity.

AG-Fips is slated to invest R$1 billion over the next five years, effectively doubling the Port of Santos’ cargo flow capacity by rail from 51 million tons to 115 million tons annually. João Almeida emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, particularly in servicing the cellulose cluster and the export corridor, which together will handle approximately 40 million tons of cargo annually.

Highlighting the forward-thinking approach, Almeida noted the expedited construction schedule, with completion expected by December 2024, eight months ahead of the original timeline. He also emphasized the commencement of work at Pátio de Conceiçãozinha in Guarujá to accommodate the anticipated increase in cargo volume.

Anderson Pomini emphasized the crucial role of railways in facilitating the transportation of goods, with rail currently accounting for 30% of all products transported via the Port of Santos. He anticipates a significant increase in product flow following the completion of these works.

Moreover, AG-Fips is progressing with the construction of the railway pear, a pivotal logistics solution set to streamline cargo transshipment operations. Once completed by mid-2027, the railway pear will significantly enhance grain handling capacity on the Right Bank, further optimizing port operations.

This ambitious logistics solution, spanning 102 thousand square meters, underscores the Port of Santos’ commitment to modernization and operational excellence, ensuring seamless cargo movement and bolstering Brazil’s trade capabilities.

Infrastructure Projects

As part of AG-Fips’ contractual obligations, a comprehensive set of 13 infrastructure projects has been outlined. Alongside the construction of three railways serving the pulp terminals between Canal 4 and Ponta da Praia, these initiatives include the implementation of viaducts to eliminate level crossings, pedestrian walkways, and the establishment of a railway stop.

One Year of Progress

Celebrating one year at the helm of the Santos Port Authority (APS), President Anderson Pomini reflected on the strides made in unlocking crucial infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing cargo movement and flow. Notably, Pomini highlighted key initiatives such as the railway stop and the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel, among others.

“In just one year, we have succeeded in positioning the Port as a top priority for the Federal Government,” stated Pomini, emphasizing the projected investments totaling R$ 21.28 billion. Of this, R$ 12.6 billion is allocated from federal public funds and public-private partnerships (PPP), with an additional R$ 8.68 billion from private sector investments.

Pomini also underscored the progress made in the dredging project to deepen berths 12A to 20/21 to a depth of 15 meters on the Right Bank of the Port, in Outeirinhos. “The deepening of these berths is nearing completion and will enable access for larger vessels, including those measuring up to 366 meters in length, thereby enhancing the efficiency of goods movement.”

Regarding the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel, Pomini assured that the project remains on schedule. “We anticipate the issuance of documentation, environmental licenses, authorization from the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), validation from the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq), and the publication of notices within this year. This concerted effort aims to commence construction in the first semester of 2025, in alignment with the timeline set forth in collaboration with the State Government and spearheaded by Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.”

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