Porto Itapoá celebrates 14 years of operations with the historic milestone of 10 million TEUs handled

In ANTAQ’s latest announcement the terminal ranked as the top container handler in Southern Brazil and 2nd in the country

As it marks its 14th anniversary, on June 16, Porto Itapoá celebrates a historic milestone: the handling of 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) since it began operations in 2011. This achievement consolidates the terminal as one of the most efficient and strategic hubs for Brazilian foreign trade. “This is a moment of great pride for our entire team and partners,” says Ricardo Arten, CEO of Porto Itapoá.

The terminal’s journey has been characterized by continuous growth and its role as a catalyst for economic and social development in the municipality and the surrounding region. In 2014, just three years after opening, it reached the 1 million TEU mark. In 2016, it doubled that volume to 2 million, and in the following year, surpassed 3 million. “Each milestone reflects the result of hard work and continuous investment in infrastructure and technology,” adds Arten.

Growth more than three times the national average

In a recent announcement by ANTAQ regarding the first four months of 2025, Porto Itapoá ranked as the 2nd largest container terminal in Brazil, with more than 269 thousand units handled — a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding the national average growth rate (6%) by more than three times. The terminal remains the undisputed leader in the Southern Region of the country. Throughout 2024, 660,742 containers were handled, consolidating its leadership in Santa Catarina and securing the third position nationally.

Expansion investments to meet growing demand

The terminal is currently executing Phase IV of its expansion project, with R$ 500 million in investments. The project includes the addition of 120,000 m² of yard space, expected to be available by 2026, the incorporation of a new ship-to-shore crane (the terminal’s eighth), and the acquisition of 12 hybrid RTGs with remote operation — a pioneering technology in South America. The modernization plan also includes the arrival of nine new terminal tractors (TTs), strengthening the largest electric fleet in Brazil, now totaling 20 vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy. Additionally, a third state-of-the-art scanner will be added, and the quay will be extended by 400 meters, enabling the simultaneous docking of three large vessels.

Unprecedented PPP to finance access channel expansion

Another major milestone is the unprecedented Public-Private Partnership with the Port of São Francisco do Sul, enabling the dredging of the access channel to Babitonga Bay. With an estimated investment of R$ 300 million, the project will allow the operation of vessels up to 366 meters in length and a capacity of 16,000 TEUs — the first in Brazil to operate at full load of this size. The dredged sediment will be used to restore the beaches of Itapoá, widening the sand strip and promoting coastal protection, tourism, and environmental sustainability.

“The modernization of the channel will further boost the Babitonga ports, which are already breaking movement records. This translates into job creation, greater logistical efficiency, and a positive impact on the entire national economy,” concludes Arten.

The dredging works are expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2026. With this, Porto Itapoá reaffirms its commitment to regional development and its vision: to become the largest and most efficient container terminal in South America.