The Port of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, recorded a cargo movement of 1.67 million tons in the first four months of 2026. This result shows growth of almost 40% compared to the same period in 2025.
After closing 2025 with a cargo movement of 4.76 million tons, the port maintained its growth pace in the following year. According to data from the port complex, in April alone, the volume of cargo handled was 430.3 thousand tons, an increase of 57% compared to the same month in 2025.
Following the resumption of operations under federal management, the port in Santa Catarina is experiencing a period of growth. In addition to the expansion of cargo movement, the expectation is that the concession of the Aquaviário Access Channel will open a new phase of investments, with a forecast of R$ 311 million in capital contributions over 25 years.
Auction
The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and the National Agency for Waterway Transport (Antaq) are preparing the auction of the Aquaviário Access Channel to the Port of Itajaí. The initiative foresees investments estimated at R$ 311 million and the expansion, maintenance and operation of the channel's infrastructure for the next 25 years.
The project aims to expand the operational capacity of the complex to receive larger vessels, which should increase cargo movement. This will be the second auction of a public access channel in the country's history.
The contract includes periodic dredging, continuous maintenance, nautical signaling and integrated waterway traffic management, aimed at ensuring operational predictability, greater safety for navigation and increased capacity to receive large vessels.
The national secretary for Ports, Alex Ávila, emphasizes that the project consolidates the new management model for aquaviário infrastructure in Brazil, initiated with the concession of the Paranaguá Channel. "This format allows for greater efficiency in channel management, enhances navigation safety and contributes to increasing the competitiveness of the Port of Itajaí," he states.
The expectation is that, by the end of the contract, the channel will have the capacity to handle cargo movement of up to 3.43 million TEUs per year, raising the competitiveness of the complex and strengthening its strategic position in national logistics.
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