Marcus Santana recalls a career that took him from the Port of Santos to the Panama Canal

Marcus Santana’s professional history is intertwined with the dynamics of the Brazilian port sector. In an interview with the Porto & Gente podcast, presented by Mag Wallau, the executive recalled the challenges, learning and opportunities that transformed a temporary typist position into a prominent international career.

Resident of Ponta da Praia and grandson of a port worker, Marcus grew up hearing stories about the Port of Santos. Contact with family members linked to port operations sparked the desire to work in the sector from an early age. The opportunity arose in 1997, when he was temporarily hired by a shipping agency to work as a typist in the financial department.

Shortly afterwards, a skill that wasn’t even included in the selection process would change his professional destiny. During a meeting, the company discovered that the young employee spoke English, something rare at the time. From that moment on, Marcus began to take on new responsibilities and earned his position.

The dream, however, was beyond the office. Fascinated by the ships he saw daily entering and leaving the Port of Santos, he sought an opportunity to work directly in maritime operations. This is how he became a ship visitor, a role responsible for monitoring vessels, intermediating contacts with authorities and ensuring all the necessary documentation for port operations.

Over the years, Marcus has accumulated experience in maritime agencies, tug companies, port terminals and logistics operations. His career has included supervisory, management and direction positions, always accompanied by a constant search for professional qualifications. According to him, completing college represented a turning point in his executive career.

From the Port of Santos to the world.

His international career emerged after years of working in the Brazilian maritime sector. After holding strategic positions in different companies, Marcus received an invitation to work in operations linked to the Panama Canal, one of the most important maritime corridors on the planet.

In the Central American country, he participated in projects related to vessel service, transit of ships and yachts through the canal, in addition to contributing to the expansion of new businesses for the company where he worked. The experience allowed contact with customers from different continents and participation in international events in the nautical and maritime sector.

Even faced with the challenges posed by the pandemic and changes in the global market, Marcus highlighted that the ability to adapt was crucial to his professional evolution. Throughout his career, he moved between different areas, including navigation, logistics, port terminals, foreign trade and agribusiness.

The importance of preparation

During the interview, the executive highlighted that three factors were fundamental to his professional growth: mastery of English, knowledge of technology and continuous investment in education. For him, these skills continue to be important differentiators for those who want to build a solid career in the port and logistics sector.

When leaving a message for young professionals, Marcus highlighted the importance of humility, persistence and the ability to learn from more experienced people.

“You have to have determination, willpower, humility to listen and learn. Difficulties will always exist, but those who persist and continue preparing increase their chances of getting further”, he stated.

For those who follow the evolution of the Port of Santos and Brazilian logistics, Marcus Santana’s trajectory represents an example of how qualification, dedication and willingness to face new challenges can open doors to opportunities that cross borders.