Santos Port Authority Launches Tender for Vessel Traffic Monitoring System After 15-Year Delay

After more than 15 years of planning and attempts, the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) is no longer just a future expectation—it is becoming a reality at the Port of Santos. The current administration of the Santos Port Authority (APS) has revived the project and, on Friday (July 18), published the public tender for implementing a system to monitor the entire Organized Port area. This investment will enhance operational efficiency, navigational safety, and help combat illicit activities such as drug trafficking.

“Real-time monitoring of vessel traffic will place the Port of Santos among the most modern ports in the world. This marks a significant milestone in digital transformation, enabling control over vessel entries and departures, as well as a more efficient use of port facilities and operations. The project was included in the New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC) in 2023, although the installation license was obtained 15 years ago. In just one year, we managed to meet all technical requirements, including certification by the Brazilian Navy,” said APS President Anderson Pomini.

The system will include cameras and stations positioned at elevated points such as Moela Island (Guarujá), and is part of APS’s broader technological package, which also includes the Port Management Information System (PMIS), Ship Sequencing System, Digital Twin, 5G Network, Smart Port, Santos Port App, among other ongoing initiatives.

These technologies will support infrastructure and expansion works within the Port Polygon, including the deepening of the channel to 16 meters and the expansion of the Alemoa area, where an increase in traffic and vessel size is anticipated.

Images generated by the VTMIS will be displayed in real time at an Operational Center within APS, which will be capable of interacting with vessel traffic and responding to all situations, from vessel approach to anchorage areas, access channels, and even private terminals such as Usiminas Tiplan/VLI, according to VTMIS manager Carlos Marden.

VTMIS Santos will also share data to support the operations of the Maritime Police (Nepom-Federal Police), Brazilian Navy, Federal Revenue, and other agencies involved in the prevention and suppression of illicit activities targeting ships and port infrastructure. The system is capable of detecting and identifying, in real time, suspicious or unauthorized vessels navigating in the maritime area of the Organized Port.

The tender schedule, including proposal submission dates and other details, can be found in the public notice. APS will coordinate technical visits for potential bidders to the sites where the infrastructure and engineering services will be carried out. Interested parties must request a visit by August 1, 2025, providing the information of their representative according to the tender rules. After this date, APS will publish the scheduled visit dates.

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