Santos Brasil Invests $15 Million to Expand and Modernize Tecon Imbituba

Santos Brasil is investing in the expansion and modernization of Tecon Imbituba, the company’s container terminal in southern Santa Catarina. Of a total of R$75 million ($15 million), R$26 million was allocated in 2024, with an additional R$49 million planned for 2025. This investment reinforces the company’s commitment to improving port infrastructure efficiency and competitiveness in the region.

The terminal saw significant growth in 2024, securing three new regular services and handling 121,000 TEUs—an increase of 75% compared to the previous year. Operational productivity also improved, with container moves per hour (MPH) rising from 40 to 50. These enhancements position Tecon Imbituba to better serve the growing demands of shipping lines, importers, and exporters in the region.

The chart below shows the shifting dynamics of container throughput at the Port of Imbituba between 2023 and January 2025. The comes from Datamar’s DataLiner.

Imbituba Container Throughput | Jan 2023 – Jan 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

The modernization plan includes upgrading equipment, expanding infrastructure, implementing new operational systems, and increasing the workforce. Among the key initiatives, Santos Brasil is installing cameras on the two quay cranes already in operation. The company is also acquiring a new mobile harbor crane (MHC) to replace the existing unit and expand the reach stacker fleet from 11 to 13 units. Additionally, the cold storage facility is being modernized, while the Federal Revenue warehouse is undergoing expansion. The terminal’s gate capacity is increasing to four entry and exit lanes, including a dedicated express gate for empty containers. A new administrative building is also nearing completion, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

As part of the expansion, Santos Brasil is also increasing its workforce. In 2024, the company hired 60 new employees, with plans to recruit an additional 40 in 2025 to support the terminal’s growing operations.

In January, Tecon Imbituba welcomed the largest vessel ever to call at the Port of Imbituba—the MSC VILDA X. Measuring 346.98 meters in length and 42.8 meters in beam, the vessel has a capacity of approximately 9,600 TEUs. It is part of a new international service secured by Santos Brasil in 2024, connecting the east coast of South America with Asia.

Danilo Ramos, Santos Brasil’s Commercial Director for Port Operations, emphasized the terminal’s ability to meet the region’s demand and its competitive advantages over other ports in southern Brazil.

“The arrival of this large vessel at our terminal confirms our capability to efficiently handle significant volumes. We continue to invest to ensure top-tier service that aligns with market needs and global port industry trends,” Ramos stated.

Strategically positioned between Curitiba and Porto Alegre and near Florianópolis, Tecon Imbituba benefits from seamless multimodal connectivity. The terminal has direct road access via the BR-101 highway, as well as rail and maritime links. Its deepwater and naturally sheltered port allow it to receive the largest vessels calling on Brazil’s coast without draft restrictions or weather-related limitations.

Operating 24/7, Tecon Imbituba currently serves four regular shipping services—two for cabotage and two for long-haul routes—reinforcing its role as a key hub for foreign trade and cargo throughput in Brazil.

Source: Porto de Imbituba

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