Porto Itapoá wants a share of cargo from Santos and Paranaguá
R$ 333 million dredging in Babitonga Bay should allow larger ships at Porto Itapoá. Read more at Gazeta do Povo.
TL;DR
- Porto Itapoá aims to capture market share from Santos and Paranaguá by deepening the Babitonga Bay channel from 14 to 16 meters, allowing ships up to 366 meters long.
- The R$ 333 million dredging project is financed by Porto Itapoá (R$ 300 million) and the public port authority (R$ 33 million), with Porto Itapoá to be reimbursed through future revenue.
- The project is 88% complete, with an expected finish in the second half of 2026.
- The increased depth will allow vessels with capacities up to 16,000 TEUs, though Porto Itapoá conservatively expects to handle up to 14,000 TEUs.
- Porto Itapoá is investing an additional R$ 500 million in land-based expansion, including a larger yard, new equipment, and gate automation, to support increased operations.
- Realizing the full benefits requires more than just channel depth; it necessitates effective larger ship calls, competition among carriers, direct routes, and adequate land access.
- Industry associations like Fiesc highlight potential benefits for Santa Catarina's industries but caution that benefits are not guaranteed without a combination of factors, including reduced logistical costs and improved intermodal connectivity.
- Land infrastructure, particularly roads like BR-280 and BR-101, remains a significant bottleneck, with potential solutions including improved rail access.
- Porto Itapoá has opened an office in China to strengthen relationships with shipping lines and attract new services.