ZPort and Port of Santos Defend Fertilizer Operations in Itajaí

ZPort Itajaí has spoken to the newspaper DIARINHO regarding suspending bulk fertilizer cargo at the Port of Itajaí. The company defended the legality of operations at the fishing quay, highlighting that the activity is backed by environmental licensing and is technically viable. The Port Authority of Santos (APS) echoed this stance in a petition submitted to the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq).

ZPort, now known as Seaport Itajaí, operates the public quay and is authorized to handle solid bulk, general cargo, and passengers. The operator found itself in a dispute over APS’s authorization for fertilizer operations at the port, which was blocked last week by Antaq following a complaint from JBS Terminals.

The port had already received equipment for fertilizer handling, with approval from APS that bypassed the local port superintendent’s directive. According to Seaport, the proposed bulk fertilizer operations are legally supported, environmentally licensed, and technically feasible under current regulatory frameworks.

“The activity is supported by Operating Environmental License No. 2610/2019 of the Port of Itajaí, issued by the Environmental Institute of Santa Catarina (IMA), which expressly authorizes the handling of bulk cargo (fertilizers),” the company stated. The operator also noted that a 2024 memo from the superintendent recognized the operation as duly licensed and authorized.

Therefore, the company argues, there is no obstacle to conducting bulk fertilizer handling at the Port of Itajaí. The activity would be carried out in compliance with the required and approved environmental controls. “The legality of the operation is also supported by the Port Authority, which foresees the pre-qualification of port operators for solid bulk,” the statement added.

Seaport also emphasized that fertilizers are not classified as hazardous or toxic substances. “Agricultural products like urea and potassium chloride, for example, do not have flammable, reactive, or toxic characteristics that would qualify them as dangerous for transport or handling,” it explained.

Here are the main entry ports for fertilizers in Brazil. The data is from DataLiner:

Main Fertilizer Entry Ports in Brazil | Jan–March 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Employment Generation and Increased Tax Revenue
Beyond legal issues, the company highlighted the potential economic benefits of the operation for Itajaí. It estimates the creation of 150 direct jobs and 300 indirect jobs, more than R$17 million in annual tax revenue—including ISS, PIS, and Cofins—and additional income for the port and the city through port fees, pilotage, tugboat, and mooring services.

Seaport stressed that the port workers’ union confederation supports the new operation. Diversifying cargo at the port will help create more jobs and income for casual laborers. Despite preparations, no fertilizer shipments are scheduled yet.
According to the company, vessels will only be scheduled once equipment installation and testing are complete. The operation also depends on Antaq reversing the suspension. “Seaport reiterates its commitment to legality, environmental sustainability, and the value of port labor, ensuring that fertilizer handling will be conducted responsibly, safely, and transparent,” it concluded.

APS Clashes with SPI and JBS
Antaq’s injunction, issued without a merits review, blocked any APS authorization or agreement for bulk cargo operations at the Port of Itajaí. The injunction was issued in response to a complaint by JBS Terminals. The company alleged that APS was negotiating fertilizer cargo clearance without consulting local port operators or meeting the requirements for a new cargo category.

Last Friday, APS filed a motion for reconsideration with Antaq to reverse the decision. The port authority stated that although the Itajaí Port Superintendency had participated in the proceedings and supported the complaint, APS could not respond before the decision. APS argued that “the Itajaí Port Superintendency does not have legal standing to speak on behalf of the organized port.”

The Port of Santos noted no urgency in Antaq’s measure since no fertilizer vessel was scheduled to dock, as was claimed. It also clarified that JBS has no authority over the public quay, where bulk cargo operations are planned, and that general cargo operations should be harmonized and compatible with the temporary lessee’s.

“Therefore, allowing operations by other operators in the public port areas is not only permitted but is a well-established routine at the Port of Itajaí, respecting the public interest and the need to preserve port operational dynamics,” APS asserted in its filing to Antaq. According to APS, the agreement that federalized the management of the Port of Itajaí guarantees APS administrative authority, including the authorization of operators to move cargo in a free competition regime.

“As such, any attempt to hinder the proper continuation of operations in public areas must be promptly rejected by this Agency,” APS stated. The state-owned authority also emphasized that a valid environmental license already authorizes solid bulk cargo handling, including fertilizers, at the Port of Itajaí, and there are no zoning restrictions for the activity.

Source: Diarinho

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