By PortalPortuario Editorial Staff
The ports of Southern Brazil handled 4.7 million tons of containerized cargo in February 2026, which represented an increase of 43.98% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq), compiled by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor).
In total, the port facilities of the Southern region handled 14.4 million tons in the month. Among the main types of cargo transported were containers, soybeans, oil and its derivatives, fertilizers, and corn. Exports grew 5.04% in this period, while long-haul maritime traffic increased 1.75%, indicating continuous activity linked to foreign trade.
The Port of Paranaguá led regional handling with 4.4 million tons, which is equivalent to 30.7% of all cargo handled in the Southern region. Next came the Port of Rio Grande with 2.4 million tons and the Port of Itapoá with 1.2 million tons.
This performance occurs in a context of growing federal investments in port infrastructure in the Southern region. In Santa Catarina, the Ministry of Ports and Airports resumed, in April, the dredging contract for the Port of Itajaí with an investment of R$ 63.8 million (USD 12.9 million) to ensure navigability and the continuity of operations for the next 12 months, extendable for up to 48 months.
Also in Santa Catarina, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, recently signed a contract worth R$ 72.8 million (USD 14.8 million) for the maintenance and reinforcement of the breakwater at the Port of Imbituba. The project aims to improve navigation safety, increase operational efficiency, and reduce the logistics costs of the port complex.
In Paraná, the Port of Paranaguá hosted the first edition of the 2026 Port Innovation Caravans, an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Ports and Airports and Antaq to stimulate innovative solutions, sustainability, and the modernization of port operations.
