The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) intends to submit to the Court of Accounts of the Union (TCU) in November the notice for the future container terminal at Port of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina. The timeline represents another step in the preparation of the definitive concession process for the port complex, which seeks to establish conditions for long-term investments and expand the capacity to serve foreign trade operations.
The schedule was disclosed by the Ports and Ships portal. Submission to the TCU will allow the analysis of documents and conditions set for the bidding process before moving forward to the next stages.
The initiative is considered strategic for the revival and development of Port of Itajaí, which went through a period of administrative transition and seeks to recover its competitiveness in cargo handling.
Project provides for billion-dollar investments
The modeling previously disclosed by the Federal Government provides for investments of approximately R$ 2.8 billion over the concession contract, of which R$ 920 million must be applied in the first three years.
Among the planned interventions are equipment modernization, improvements in operational infrastructure, and the construction of a new container terminal with estimated static capacity of 37,152 TEUs. The project also includes an expansion of approximately 90% of yard areas.
The values and parameters are part of the modeling previously presented and should be compared with the final version of the documents that will follow for TCU analysis.
Operational capacity and competitiveness
Infrastructure expansion could help improve berthing and vessel movement conditions, while increasing storage capacity and container organization at the terminal.
For shipowners, logistics operators, and foreign trade companies, operational predictability is an important factor in defining shipping schedules, maritime services, and transport strategies.
Project advancement will also be relevant for the regional economy, considering the port complex's participation in Santa Catarina's export and import chain.
Terminal and access channel are distinct projects
The container terminal concession process should not be confused with the concession of Itajaí's navigable access channel.
The second project concerns navigation infrastructure, including dredging, depth maintenance, and conditions for entry of larger vessels. In May 2026, the TCU approved, with reservations, the modeling of this concession, determining technical adjustments and the publication of updated studies before launching the respective notice.
Although they are different initiatives, terminal development and access channel improvement are complementary to expand the port complex's operational capacity and competitiveness.
The next milestone will be the submission of terminal documentation to the TCU. The progress of the analysis and publication of the definitive bidding conditions should clarify the timeline and commitments set for the future concessionaire.
```
