The largest port complex in the Southern Hemisphere, the Port of Santos, will receive R$1.6 billion in investment to expand its cargo handling capacity. The announcement was made late this morning by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, in Dubai, during an official mission to the United Arab Emirates.
The increase in funding for the Port of Santos followed a meeting between Costa Filho and DP World representatives. The company operates one of the largest and most modern private multipurpose port terminals in the country. The total investment, in addition to the R$450 million already announced, aims to raise capacity to 2.1 million TEUs by 2028, including 190 meters of quay expansion.
“These investments strengthen the modernization of the port sector, improve the efficiency of the port and demonstrate investors’ confidence in Brazil,” said the minister after the meeting with DP World representatives last Thursday (20), in Dubai, where he is conducting the official mission to the United Arab Emirates. Also on Thursday, the minister visited the Port of Jebel Ali.
The recently approved second phase of investments includes the construction of a new berthing pier, expansion of the back area with a slab-on-piles, improvements to the access gate, inspection areas, infrastructure for refrigerated cargo, and other operational support structures.
Together, the two phases include the acquisition of four new ship-to-shore cranes, essential for handling large vessels; 15 RTGs, which will increase capacity and speed of container operations in the yard; and 40 ITVs, which will reinforce the fleet responsible for internal cargo transport. These pieces of equipment meet modern standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, in line with DP World’s global strategy to reduce emissions and adopt lower-impact environmental technologies.
The quay will gain an additional 190 linear meters, increasing from 1,100 to 1,290 meters, expanding areas for cellulose exports and container operations. The project is expected to be completed in August next year.
With the expansion, according to the company, the quay will be able to simultaneously receive New Panamax-class container ships of up to 150,000 DWT (366 m). Also, according to DP World, the equipment acquired features technology that reduces consumption and emissions of pollutants within the energy matrix decarbonization strategy instituted by the Federal Government.
In August, during a technical visit to the terminal, the minister attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the quay expansion works. The minister saw the location where the first piles were driven and spoke with port workers.
International expertise
The minister visited DP World’s facilities at the port and saw the infrastructure in operation up close, especially the management, technology and productivity models. “If there is a place that impresses anyone who works with logistics, it is the Port of Jebel Ali. It is one of the most modern complexes in the world and I was able to see technologies that can transform cargo operations in Brazil,” said the minister, citing the Boxbay system, which multiplies cargo handling capacity with greater safety and efficiency.
“I came to understand how these innovations can expand Brazil’s capacity and attract more investments, aligning the country with the best global practices,” Costa Filho added.
Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos
