Disclosure
The Port of Itajaí (SC) entered a new phase of preparation to expand its participation in the Brazilian container market. The National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) opened a public consultation to receive contributions to the area leasing project ITJ01a strategic terminal located in the Santa Catarina port complex.
The initiative marks one of the most important processes for resuming the port’s competitiveness and should attract the attention of large national and international operators interested in expanding their presence in the South of Brazil.
Super Rectangle (728×90) – Position 17
The public consultation aims to improve the technical, legal and operational documents that will guide the future bidding for the terminal. Contributions from society, companies and sector experts will be analyzed before the final publication of the notice.
Project foresees R$2.6 billion in investments
The future lease of ITJ01 is structured for a period of 25 years and foresees estimated investments of approximately R$2.6 billion.
Among the main interventions planned are:
- expansion of pier infrastructure;
- installation of a second line of rails for container operation (STS);
- construction of a new mooring dolphin for larger ships;
- expansion of storage yards;
- modernization of equipment and operating systems;
- implementation of improvements in port infrastructure.
The planning foresees a gradual expansion of operational capacity, following the growth in demand from Brazilian foreign trade.
In the contract maturity phase, the expectation is that the terminal can handle approximately 1.4 million TEUs per yearconsolidating Itajaí as one of the main hubs for container handling in the country.
Dispute for the regional market
The process occurs at a strategic moment for the Santa Catarina port sector. The South region concentrates important industrial chains, especially in the automotive, food, machinery and equipment segments, in addition to a strong presence in foreign trade.
The resumption of a competitive terminal in Itajaí could change the balance of the regional container market, currently marked by the strong presence of private terminals and the competition for cargo between the ports of Santa Catarina and Paraná.
Experts estimate that the new lease could increase competition, stimulate investments in technology and expand the offer of services to exporters and importers.
JBS Terminals currently operates the area
While the definitive bidding process is not concluded, the ITJ01 area remains under temporary operation of JBS Terminalsfollowing changes in the port’s operational scenario.
The new concession seeks to establish a long-term model, guaranteeing investment predictability, legal security and the ability to monitor the evolution of foreign trade.
Strategic importance for Santa Catarina
For the productive sector in Santa Catarina, the recovery of the Port of Itajaí to full capacity represents a relevant factor for the competitiveness of companies located in the State.
With a strategic location, consolidated infrastructure and proximity to large industrial centers, the ITJ01 terminal is considered a fundamental piece to expand Santa Catarina’s participation in international trade routes.
The expectation now is that the public consultation will contribute to improving the project and pave the way for one of the biggest port leasing disputes in the coming years.
