Port of Itajaí records 40% growth in cargo movement

The Port of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, recorded a cargo movement of 1.67 million tons in the first four months of 2026. This result represents a growth of almost 40% compared to the same period in 2025.

After ending 2025 with the movement of 4.76 million tons, the port maintained its growth rate in the following year. According to data from the port complex, in April alone, the volume of cargo handled was 430.3 thousand tons, an increase of 57% compared to the same month in 2025.

After resuming operations under federal management, the port of Santa Catarina is going through a period of growth. In addition to the expansion of cargo movement, the expectation is that the concession of the Waterway Access Channel will inaugurate a new phase of investment, with a forecast of R$311 million in contributions over 25 years.

Auction

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) are preparing the auction for the Waterway Access Channel to the Port of Itajaí. The initiative foresees investments estimated at R$311 million and the expansion, maintenance and exploration of the canal’s infrastructure for the next 25 years.

The project aims to expand the complex’s operational capacity to receive larger ships, which should increase cargo movement. This will be the second auction of a public access channel in the country’s history.

The contract includes periodic dredging, continuous maintenance, nautical signaling and integrated management of waterway traffic, aiming to guarantee operational predictability, greater navigation safety and greater capacity to receive large vessels.

The national secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, highlights that the project consolidates the new management model for waterway infrastructure in Brazil, which began with the concession of the Paranaguá Canal. “This format allows for greater efficiency in channel management, increases navigation safety and contributes to increasing the competitiveness of the Port of Itajaí”, he states.

The expectation is that, at the end of the contract, the channel will have the capacity to handle movements of up to 3.43 million TEUs per year, increasing the complex’s competitiveness and strengthening its strategic position in national logistics.