Porto Itapoá boosts capacity with new cranes and automation investment

Porto Itapoá is set to take another step in its expansion and modernization strategy. In December 2025, the terminal received its eighth ship-to-shore (STS) crane, a large-scale piece of equipment used to transfer containers between vessels and the quay. With the new addition, Porto Itapoá joins a select group of three Brazilian terminals operating the country’s largest STS crane fleets.

The new crane adds to a fleet that has already delivered measurable gains. Acquired last year, the seventh STS crane entered operation in 2024 and boosted vessel productivity by 15% in its first month. The terminal expects the eighth crane to further strengthen operational performance.

The equipment also incorporates new technology, including an automatic container identification system designed to accelerate processes, reduce operational errors and enhance safety. The crane features a 70-meter boom—five meters longer than previous models—allowing greater reach and efficiency, particularly when handling larger vessels.

According to Porto Itapoá Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Arten, the investment reinforces the terminal’s commitment to high-performance and safe operations.

“Expanding our ship-to-shore crane fleet is essential to deliver even greater productivity, always with a strong focus on operational safety. We are preparing Porto Itapoá to handle increasingly larger vessels and more complex cargo flows without compromising the protection of the people who make our operations possible,” Arten said.

Beyond the STS crane, the terminal will also add six new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes for yard operations. The units will follow the model already adopted at Porto Itapoá, operated via remote control. The terminal was the first in South America to deploy remote-controlled RTGs and currently operates 10 units of this type.

The new RTGs will feature an additional upgrade: semi-automation. Part of their movements will be carried out autonomously, reducing the need for constant operator intervention, improving efficiency and lowering operational risk.

Arten said the investments are part of Phase IV of the terminal’s expansion plan, aimed at increasing capacity and preparing Porto Itapoá for future demand.

“We are moving to a higher level of technology, automation and efficiency. Each new piece of equipment delivers greater agility, improved safety and stronger competitiveness for our customers and for the entire logistics chain,” he said.

Expansion

Porto Itapoá launched its Phase IV expansion in January 2024, with planned investments of BRL 500 million over a 12-month period. The project marks another stage in the terminal’s growth—now established among Brazil’s three largest—with the goal of becoming the largest, most efficient and safest port terminal in South America.

Source: Porto Itapoá

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