Santos Brasil Adopts Gas-Powered Trucks at the Port of Santos and Begins Transition to a Cleaner Fleet

Santos Brasil has begun replacing its diesel truck fleet with compressed natural gas (CNG) models at Tecon Santos, its main container terminal at the Port of Santos (SP). With the acquisition of 35 trucks from Scania for R$ 40 million, the company becomes the first in the country to operate this type of truck at a container terminal.

The trucks began operating on January 3 and are expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by up to 20% compared to the current diesel models. The terminal still operates around 140 conventional trucks, which more sustainable alternatives will gradually replace.

According to the company, the new trucks are Scania P 340 models, equipped with a 9-liter engine, 340 horsepower, and torque of 1,600 Nm between 1,100 and 1,400 rpm. The transmission is automated with 14 gears, and the vehicles have a maximum traction capacity of up to 78 tons. For safety and operational efficiency, the trucks are equipped with hydraulic auxiliary brakes and an electronic data collection system that provides real-time instructions to the driver. Refueling will be carried out at a CNG station installed within the terminal.

Climate Transition Plan

The company’s adoption of gas-powered trucks is part of its climate transition plan, which aims to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 70% and indirect emissions (Scope 3) by 30% by 2040.

According to Alex Nucci, Sales Director of Solutions at Scania Commercial Operations Brazil, this operation is unprecedented in Brazil and abroad. “So far, there is no port operation in the world using Scania gas-powered trucks in container terminals,” he says.

The fleet renewal is part of a broader modernization project at Tecon Santos, which aims to increase the terminal’s annual container throughput from the current 2.6 million to 3 million TEUs by 2026. The total investment package exceeds R$ 2.5 billion.

In 2024, the company also began operating eight electric rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), which will replace diesel models by 2031. The change is expected to prevent more than 700 tons of CO₂ emissions per month, representing a 97% reduction in emissions from this equipment.

Founded 27 years ago to operate Tecon Santos, Santos Brasil now operates eight port terminals nationwide and provides integrated logistics solutions. It is listed on the Novo Mercado segment of B3 and is part of the ISE and S&P/B3 ESG indexes.

Source: Transporte Moderno

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