Porto Itapoá turns 13 with new investments in expansion and throughput records

Having celebrated its 13th anniversary on June 16, 2024, Porto Itapoá never ceased to expand its infrastructure. The port’s third expansion phase was recently finished, bringing the number of employees to an impressive 1,500. Reflecting the terminal’s rapid growth since its inception, more than 130 new jobs are being created for immediate hire. In 2023, Itapoá was the fastest-growing private-use container terminal in the country, surpassing the throughput mark of 1 million TEUs.

According to Cássio Schreiner, president of Porto Itapoá, the terminal is committed to developing its workforce in tandem with investments in high-tech equipment and first-world infrastructure. “Last year, we acquired new equipment, which will be repeated in 2024, alongside significant incoming infrastructure investments this year, including the third phase of yard expansion and our new warehouse,” he explained. These developments are part of a broader investment pack of R$815 million. Over its entire project, Porto Itapoá has invested R$2.5 billion, with plans to invest more than R$2 billion in the coming years.

With the recent expansion, Porto Itapoá will operate one of the largest container yards in Brazil, spanning 455,000 m², bringing operating capacity to 2 million TEUs annually. “To sustain this growth, we have a highly qualified workforce capable of tackling the significant challenges the company faces,” Schreiner noted. Currently, it’s estimated that 50% of Itapoá’s economically active population is connected to port activities. Additionally, Porto Itapoá employees contribute approximately R$30 million annually to the local economy.

“In recent years, we have qualified as one of the top investors in the region, and we have no plans to stop. We are already planning further expansions, including more yards, piers, equipment, and personnel. This growth is possible due to the support from Municipal, State, and Federal governments, which creates favorable conditions for the private sector to achieve its goals, thereby aiding in the country’s development strategy through entrepreneurship,” said Schreiner. He highlighted the support for the expansion and deepening of the access channel to Babitonga Bay and necessary roadworks to accommodate large ships and facilitate cargo movement by land.

Investments are reflected in record turnover

Porto Itapoá throughput surpassed the milestone of 500,000 TEUs in the first five months of 2024. Additionally, in May, the terminal set a monthly record in dry import operations (non-refrigerated cargo) with 37,562 TEUs documented. The port’s overall throughput in May was significant, with 102,270 TEUs, marking the third-largest monthly movement ever recorded. In April, the port broke its historical monthly throughput record with 107,475 TEUs.

Crossdocking operations also reached a record high, with 918 TEUs handled. Crossdocking involves directly transferring cargo from containers to customer trucks or vice versa. The month also saw the highest monthly record of LCL cargo (less than container load), where a container is shared by different cargos and customers. This service has grown in popularity, serving customers without enough cargo to stuff a container.

Another record for the month was the gate movement, with 47,073 truck access movements, surpassing the previous record of 45,827 transactions set in April 2024.

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