After fire in Itajaí, investments announced by JBS enter the sector’s radar

Less than a week ago, the port sector witnessed two fires in different terminals in the south of the country. One of them, in JBS terminal in Itajaíreached precisely a MHC (Mobile Harbour Crane)central equipment for the operation and symbol of recent modernization announcements.

The episode draws attention because it occurs amid a narrative of strong investment released by the company itself. According to a report published by Bloomberg LineJBS reported contributions that would add up R$ 220 millionincluding infrastructure, technology and the acquisition of new MHC Konecranes Gottwald mobile cranes.

On paper, the numbers are impressive.

Since resuming operations in October 2024, the company claims to have moved more than 143 thousand TEUs in seven monthswith a projection of achieving 558 thousand TEUs per year.

But the recent fire raises an inevitable question:

Are these investments actually coming into operation at the announced pace or are there signs of wear and tear of critical assets?

The point is not to deny the operational advances, which also appear in recent movement growth figures.

The controversy lies in the contrast between the institutional narrative of modernization and the reality of strategic equipment destroyed by fire.

In the second fire, it was necessary to call the brigade, the Fire Department, the fixed system and even tugs with Fire Fighting systemwhich shows the severity of the occurrence.

And it is precisely in this context that another sensitive point arises for the sector:

Will it be with this same management that we seek to advance new port assets, such as the future STS10, in the Port of Santos?

The question gains even more weight given the recent suspension of the STS10 auctiona topic that moves behind the scenes of the national logistics sector. JBS has already had its name associated with its interest in strategic assets and its agenda for new leases.

The temporal coincidence between:

• investment announcements;
• fire in an essential asset;
• and the suspension of the auction of one of the largest port projects in the country.

inevitably leaves a question in the air:

Is there something behind the scenes that has not yet been officially informed to the market?

It’s too early to draw conclusions.

But, in journalism, when relevant facts are connected in sequence, the obligation is to ask.

The port sector, investors and operators will certainly be paying attention to the next moves.