Portonave invests BRL 1.5 billion in 100% electric equipment and quay infrastructure works

To maintain productivity efficiency and meet the growth in the volume of cargo handled, Portonave – the first private container terminal in Brazil, located in the state of Santa Catarina – invests U$ 65 million in new equipment. The acquisition includes two Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes intended to handle containers on vessels, 14 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, which operate in the yard, a Reach Stacker (a large forklift), and two modern Scanners.

The acquisition of 100% electrically powered equipment reinforces Portonave’s commitment to decarbonization, as the machinery will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Terminal. The scanners are expected to be available for use by June of this year, and the other equipment will start operating in 2026.

The investment in the new equipment was made under the tax provision called Reporto, which incentivizes the development and modernization of national ports. Created by law in 2004, Reporto guarantees exemption from federal taxes so that companies in the port and railway sectors can acquire their equipment without incurring import taxes, such as the Industrialized Product Tax, Import Tax, PIS contribution, and Cofins on imports.

Quay cranes will service the larger vessels

Purchased from Chinese manufacturer Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), the cranes handle loads of up to 100 tons at a height of 55 meters and are capable of operating on the largest vessels currently in circulation in the world. They are 400 meters in length and 61 meters in breadth (width), and have an operating range of up to 25 rows of containers. The new STSs will be the first of their kind in Brazil.

Other features of the equipment will increase the efficiency of operations, among which include cameras distributed throughout the structure to assist the operator’s vision, safety sensors that track any obstacles to avoid collision during the stacking of the units, and a laser system that guides the positioning of the trucks under machinery, making the lifting operations safer, as it eliminates the need for people on the ground.

Safer and electrically powered equipment in the container yard

The 14 new RTGs can handle 41 tons and stack up to seven container units high. The equipment is electrically powered by batteries integrated with the electrification system of the Terminal’s yard, which powers the other existing RTGs that were electrified in 2016.

The equipment comes with modern and efficient features for easy handling, safety, and faster maintenance. When lifting the container, the operator is informed of the weight of the unit. In addition, there are safety sensors that prevent collision during stacking and transferring, emergency brakes during lifting, and electronic load balance control. Another upgrade is the automatic lubrification. Thus, the system avoids the overexposure of professionals in the operation, which provides greater safety and time savings. The RTGs are by the brand Konecranes, manufactured in Finland and assembled in China.

Another equipment purchased is the Reach Stacker, which will also be the first 100% electric of its kind to operate in Brazil. The new machine can stack six containers at a time of up to 45 tons. The battery operates for up to eight hours uninterruptedly, with a charging time of 75 minutes, and is equipped with an efficient system that offers safety without compromising productivity. The Reach Stackers are equipped with cameras that detect pedestrians, radar that identifies obstacles to avoid collisions, and even a breathalyzer that the operator needs to perform before the equipment can be turned on.

In 2022, Portonave acquired the first Ecological Reach Stacker in Latin America and was the first terminal in southern Brazil to adopt a 100% electric Terminal Tractor (TT). In addition, Portonave has 318 solar panels spread throughout the company.

Greater efficiency in cargo inspection

The two new Scanners – devices used to inspect containers previously designated by the Brazilian Federal Revenue – are manufactured by the Brazilian company VMI Security and operate integrated within the Terminal’s customs system.

With the acquisition, procedures will be optimized and provide greater security to the processes of analysis and inspection of cargo conducted by the Brazilian Federal Revenue. The agency also relies on the use of artificial intelligence for the valuation of goods and drafting of inspection reports.

In addition to the equipment, a modern structure is under construction to ensure that the devices can be installed in a way that protects them from adverse weather conditions and facilitates maintenance.
With the new acquisitions, Portonave will have a total of 8 STSs, 32 RTGs, 7 Reach Stackers and 4 Scanners for cargo inspection, 4 Empty Container Forklifts, and 45 Terminal Tractors.

Quay Infrastructure Works

In January 2024, Portonave initiated the Quay Infrastructure Works, an investment around BRL 1 billion to receive larger vessels – 400m in length and 17m in depth – and the installation of modern equipment to accommodate this new class of vessel. The intervention is divided into two phases – while one side of the quay is under construction (450m), operations are carried out normally on the other uninterruptedly.

After completion, the quay will also be ready for the installation of “shore power”, a system capable of supplying ships with electricity — significantly contributing to decarbonization in operations. The completion of the first phase is scheduled for July of this year, while the entire project is expected to be finished in the first half of 2026.

With the acquisition of new equipment and the quay works, approximately BRL 1.5 billion has been invested.

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