Port of São Sebastião Reaches Historic Cargo Throughput Record

The Port of São Sebastião achieved a significant milestone in 2024, registering over 1.4 million tonnes of cargo throughput in the first 11 months of the year. This figure surpasses the annual record set in 2023 when the port handled 1 million tonnes over 12 months. The data, provided by Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), highlights the port’s growing importance under the São Paulo State Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (Semil).

In the first half of 2024, the port handled 760,000 tonnes of cargo—a 57% increase compared to the same period in 2023—setting the stage for its record-breaking performance. Key commodities driving this growth include sugar, soda ash (a critical raw material for glass and packaging production), and petroleum coke, with Europe as the primary export market.

A historic highlight for 2024 was the resumption of coffee exports after a 60-year hiatus, reinforcing São Sebastião’s role in showcasing São Paulo state’s and Brazil’s emblematic products.

Below are the top ten exports recorded at the Port of São Sebastião in the first ten months of 2024. The data comes from DataLiner –  a Datamar trade intelligence product.

Sao Sebastiao Port Top Exports | 2024 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Infrastructure and Operational Improvements

The port’s growth reflects substantial investments in operational and structural upgrades. Since 2023, the construction of new warehouses has expanded storage capacity, accommodating a wider variety of cargo types. Recent infrastructure enhancements, such as upgrades to the Tamoios Highway and the opening of the Contorno Sul bypass in December, have improved connectivity, enhancing the port’s competitiveness and appeal to logistics operators.

Future projects include new parking facilities for truck drivers and additional berths to boost capacity. “This performance underscores the Port of São Sebastião’s sustained growth, with increasing volumes of cargo and ship traffic every year,” said Ernesto Sampaio, CEO of CDSS.

Future Expansion Plans

Plans for a new terminal at the port are currently under public consultation, with investments estimated at R$ 660 million. The SSB01 terminal project envisions a 262,000 m² operational area and the construction of a pier with two additional berths, which would quadruple the port’s cargo-handling capacity.

Under the concession model, the selected private partner will be responsible for infrastructure investments. The 35-year contract includes constructing berthing facilities, road access systems, and storage solutions capable of holding 190,000 tonnes of cargo.

Upon completion, these upgrades will increase the Port of São Sebastião’s annual capacity to 4.3 million tonnes. “The new terminal will not only expand the port’s capacity but also stimulate economic growth in the region and across São Paulo state, creating jobs and boosting income,” Sampaio concluded.

Source: São Paulo State Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics

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