Private Port in Southern Brazil Sees Cargo Surge; Over 337,000 Containers Handled

Porto Itapoá, a private terminal in Santa Catarina, continues to experience strong growth in cargo handling, having moved 337,000 containers from January to May 2025—a 32.5% increase compared to the same period last year. In tonnage terms, the port handled 6.7 million tonnes during the same timeframe, up 26.5%, according to data from Antaq, Brazil’s national waterway transport regulator.

Operational since 2011, the privately operated terminal is part of the Babitonga Bay port complex, which also includes the public port of São Francisco do Sul. Coamo Agroindustrial Cooperative plans a second private terminal in Itapoá and is currently undergoing licensing procedures.

In 2024, Porto Itapoá handled 13.6 million tonnes—16% more than in 2023—and moved a total of 660,000 containers that year.

Several factors explain this sustained growth. The port boasts one of the largest reefer infrastructures in Brazil, with 3,972 active outlets for refrigerated containers. Coastal shipping (cabotage) has also contributed, growing by 18%. Other contributors include an increase in vessel calls—from 53 to 60 per month—and an 11% improvement in container handling productivity (moves per hour).

In the coming months, dredging work will begin on the outer channel of Babitonga Bay. The project aims to deepen the channel, increasing the draft and allowing access for larger cargo ships, enhancing cargo volumes not only for Itapoá but also for the Port of São Francisco do Sul.

Source: NSC Total

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