Cellulose giant arrives at the Port of Santos with investments of R$2 billion in a port terminal for cellulose exports

Arauco, a Chilean multinational in the forestry sector, announced an investment of R$2 billion in the construction of a port terminal in the Port of Santos, aimed at exporting cellulose. The project is part of a broader logistics package, estimated at R$4.4 billion, which will allow the annual transport of 3.5 million tons between Inocência (MS) and the coast of São Paulo.

The new structure will be installed on the right bank of the Santos port, in the Alemoa region, and will function as the end point of a logistics corridor of approximately 1,050 kilometers. The terminal will be responsible for receiving production from the factory under construction in Mato Grosso do Sul and enabling the shipment of cargo to international markets, with emphasis on Asia.

The logistics plan also includes the implementation of a 50-kilometer railway branch, the acquisition of locomotives and wagons, in addition to port operations in Santos. The entire structure was planned to serve the company’s future industrial unit, considered the largest cellulose factory in the world, scheduled to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Located in Inocência, a city with around 8,800 inhabitants, the industrial plant, called Projeto Sucuriú, will have the capacity to produce 3.5 million tons of eucalyptus pulp per year, with almost all of the production destined for export. Total investment in this industrial stage and in forestry planting reaches US$4.6 billion, equivalent to more than R$24 billion.

Currently, around 11 thousand workers work in the construction of the factory, a number that should reach 14 thousand at the peak of construction. Production is expected to begin in around 20 months, requiring the entire logistics chain to be ready simultaneously.

The port terminal in Santos represents the last link in this integrated system. The initiative was made possible after the acquisition of the TUP Alemoa S/A concession, previously belonging to Terminal Marítimo Alemoa SA. The operation has already received technical authorization from the National Waterway Transport Agency and awaits final approval from the Ministry of Ports and Airports.

As the regulatory process progresses, the company can now begin steps such as environmental licensing. The project envisages an area of ​​approximately 200 thousand square meters, with dredging works, construction of berths, piers, storage areas and road and rail access. Initially, two berths will be built, with the possibility of future expansion.

The terminal will have a depth of 14.5 meters and will be capable of receiving ships with a capacity between 50 thousand and 80 thousand tons. Arauco has already signed contracts with international shipowners, who have ordered vessels from Chinese shipyards to meet demand.

The terminal works are expected to be completed in around 18 months, with delivery estimated for September 2027, in line with the factory and railway schedule.

To enable total investment in logistics, the company evaluates different sources of financing, including lines from BNDES and the Merchant Marine Fund.

Another highlight of the project is the positive impact on land logistics. With rail transport, the expectation is to remove up to 200 trucks per day from the highways, reducing costs, increasing safety and reducing the emission of polluting gases.

Production will be transported by trains with up to 100 wagons, each with a capacity of 96 tons, operated by Rumo Logística, part of the Cosan group. The contract signed between the companies lasts 10 years and includes both transport on the railway network and operation on the dedicated branch.

For this operation, Arauco acquired 26 locomotives manufactured in Minas Gerais and 721 wagons produced in the interior of São Paulo. This logistical stage alone represents an investment of R$2.4 billion.

During the construction phase of the terminal in Santos, around 1,850 jobs are expected. In operation, the expectation is to create 350 to 400 jobs. On the railway branch, in Inocência, approximately one thousand people have already been employed since construction began in February.