Itajaí Port (SC) has entered a new phase of preparation to expand its share of the Brazilian container market. The National Agency for Aquatic Transport (ANTAQ) has opened a public consultation to receive contributions to the lease project for the ITJ01 area, a strategic terminal located in the Santa Catarina port complex.
The initiative marks one of the most important processes for restoring the port's competitiveness and is expected to attract the attention of major national and international operators interested in expanding their presence in Southern Brazil.
The public consultation aims to refine the technical, legal and operational documents that will guide the future tender for the terminal. Contributions from society, companies and industry experts will be analyzed before the final publication of the tender notice.
Project provides for R$ 2.6 billion in investments
The future lease of ITJ01 is structured for a period of 25 years and provides for estimated investments of approximately R$ 2.6 billion.
Among the main interventions planned are:
- expansion of wharf infrastructure;
- installation of a second rail line for ship-to-shore crane (STS) operation;
- construction of a new mooring dolphin for larger vessels;
- expansion of storage yards;
- modernization of equipment and operating systems;
- implementation of improvements in port infrastructure.
The planning provides for a gradual expansion of operating capacity, following the growth of Brazilian foreign trade demand.
In the maturity phase of the contract, the expectation is that the terminal will be able to handle approximately 1.4 million TEUs per year, consolidating Itajaí as one of the country's leading container handling hubs.
Competition for the regional market
The process occurs at a strategic moment for Santa Catarina's port sector. The Southern region concentrates important industrial chains, especially in the automotive, food, machinery and equipment segments, as well as strong performance in foreign trade.
The resumption of a competitive terminal in Itajaí could alter the balance of the regional container market, currently marked by the strong presence of private terminals and competition for cargo among the ports of Santa Catarina and Paraná.
Specialists assess that the new lease could increase competition, stimulate investments in technology and expand the range of services to exporters and importers.
JBS Terminals currently operates the area
While the final tender process is not completed, the ITJ01 area remains under temporary operation by JBS Terminals, following changes in the port's operational scenario.
The new concession seeks to establish a long-term model, ensuring predictability for investments, legal certainty and the capacity to keep pace with the evolution of foreign trade.
Strategic importance for Santa Catarina
For Santa Catarina's productive sector, the recovery of full capacity at Itajaí Port represents a relevant factor for the competitiveness of companies based in the State.
With strategic location, consolidated infrastructure and proximity to major industrial centers, the ITJ01 terminal is considered a key piece for expanding Santa Catarina's participation in international trade routes.
The expectation now is that the public consultation will contribute to the improvement of the project and pave the way for one of the largest port lease disputes in the coming years.
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