São Sebastião Port Secures 25-Year Extension, Unlocking $100 Million Investment Plan

The future of the Port of São Sebastião took a major step forward with the early renewal of its concession to the State of São Paulo, signed on February 27 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The agreement extends the state’s administration of the port for an additional 25 years, from 2032 to 2057, and enables a R$ 100 million investment plan in port infrastructure.

The renewal grants continued management of the port to Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), a state-owned company under the São Paulo State Department of Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics. The signing ceremony also included Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho, National Secretary of Ports Alex Ávila, and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.

Originally requested in June 2023, the extension was deemed essential to providing legal certainty and attracting strategic investments. Planned upgrades include port infrastructure improvements and the duplication of key highway segments, such as the mountain stretch of the Tamoios Highway and the São Sebastião Bypass.

According to Minister Silvio Costa Filho, the renewal positions the Port of São Sebastião to expand its role in exports and strengthen its logistics network.

“Our goal is to deliver the infrastructure the people need. Under President Lula’s leadership, we are advancing major structural projects in the ports and airports sector. Many of these initiatives are now moving from paper to reality, contributing to the largest investment cycle in Brazil’s history,” he emphasized.

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin highlighted the natural advantages of São Sebastião, comparing it to the Port of Antwerp in Belgium due to its deep draft conditions that do not require dredging.

“The maritime currents flowing between São Sebastião and Ilhabela naturally clear the channel, eliminating the need for dredging. The port is a key driver of our economic development,” Alckmin stated.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas emphasized that São Paulo’s transformation will soon be tangible, while Santos Port Authority (SPA) President Anderson Pomini praised Minister Silvio Filho’s leadership, noting his hands-on approach in overseeing port projects.

A Strategic and Modernized Port

Over the past 15 years, the Port of São Sebastião has undergone R$ 625 million in investments, modernizing its operations and enhancing its competitiveness. The terminal handles a diverse cargo mix, including soda ash, malt, barley, sugar, and steel plates, while also serving offshore supply vessels that support oil platforms.

Its strategic location—approximately 200 km from São Paulo, 160 km from Santos, and 390 km from Rio de Janeiro—solidifies its role as a key intermodal hub. In addition to the public port, the area is home to the São Sebastião Waterway Terminal, operated by Transpetro, Petrobras’ largest subsidiary, as well as an intermunicipal ferry service to Ilhabela, a major tourist destination known for its beaches, trails, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.

The chart below shows the top most exported commodities of Brazil’s Port of Sao Sebastião in 2024. This information comes from Datamar’s DataLiner.

S. Sebastiao Port Top Exports | 2024 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

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