R$100 mln pier expansion to boost capacity at Santa Catarina’s busiest port

The port complex of São Francisco do Sul in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state is expanding capacity through an extension of the pier at TESC (Terminal Santa Catarina), with construction formally starting on Tuesday (April 7) with the driving of the first piling.

The project requires an initial investment of 100 million reais and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Once finished, it will allow two ships to berth simultaneously and will prepare the terminal to handle larger vessels. The Port of São Francisco do Sul is the state’s largest by cargo throughput.

Part of a broader modernization plan

The pier expansion is the first phase of a broader plan to modernize and expand the terminal.

In addition to the 100 million reais already approved for this stage, Solaris, the concessionaire that operates TESC, is seeking federal approval for a new investment cycle estimated at more than 500 million reais. The company expects a decision from Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports in early May 2026.

“This is only the first step in a transformative project for TESC,” said Stéphane Frappat, CEO of Solaris. “We are preparing the terminal for a new level of capacity, efficiency and competitiveness, in line with the evolution of Brazilian foreign trade.”

Expansion to coincide with Babitonga Bay dredging

The work is also expected to position the terminal to benefit from the Babitonga Bay dredging project, which is set to deepen the access channel to a 16-meter draft.

The deeper channel would enable TESC to receive larger-capacity ships and vessel classes above those currently calling at the terminal, according to the company.

Solaris said it expects the project to boost the terminal’s competitiveness mainly in fertilizers, soybeans, corn, soybean meal, sugar and other dry bulk cargoes, while also strengthening its general cargo operations, including steel products and project cargo.

Source: ND Mais

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