More cruise ships at the Port of Santos depend on infrastructure upgrades

The Passenger Terminal operated by Concais is located in Outeirinhos (Alexsander Ferraz/AT Archive)

The infrastructure for accommodating cruise ships at the Port of Santos faces challenges that depend on public-sector action. According to Concais, the operator of the Giusfredo Santini Passenger Terminal, the primary issue is the available berth length.

"The section of quay in front of the terminal is approximately 294 meters long, whereas many modern cruise ships require about 350 meters to berth safely, taking into account mooring requirements as well", Concais said in a statement.

Concais points to the most recent cruise season, during which vessels measuring 286 and 333 meters in length called at Santos. "The increase in vessel size is a global trend and requires compatible infrastructure if Santos is to maintain its position as South America's leading cruise embarkation port", the company added.

Port consultant Ivam Jardim recalls that a project included in the Federal Government's Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) in 2014 provided for the realignment of the quay to increase the available berth length, based on an engineering project donated by Concais to the Federal Government.

"The intervention was partially initiated on the Navy quay side, but the phase directly related to the passenger terminal—which was the project's original objective—was never carried out", he said.

Jardim believes that the priority now is for the Port Authority of Santos (APS) to install fendering systems suitable for this type of operation.

"The industry's expectation is that these upgrades will be completed before the next cruise season, since this is a public berth under APS's responsibility."

These fenders are structures that extend from irregular sections of the quay, creating a continuous berthing line that enables vessels to berth safely.

According to the consultant, this operational limitation reduces part of the passenger experience, as in certain situations passengers and baggage must be transported by bus within the port area to the vessel's actual berthing location.

"In addition to the operational impact, this also increases costs and generates additional traffic within the port area."

Exception

Jardim states that the main exception regarding the feasibility of berthing directly in front of Concais involves the MSC Seaview. In this case, the limitation is related to the vessel's air draft in relation to the power transmission cables from the Itatinga Power Plant, which span the Port channel.

"These cables have a clearance of 70.4 meters at chart datum. APS's understanding is that there is an operational limitation due to a very small difference in relation to the safety margins established under the applicable regulations—approximately ten centimeters", he explained.

According to the specialist, this currently reflects a conservative interpretation of the regulations, considering the existing operational conditions at the Port of Santos.

"Once this issue has been resolved and the permanent fendering upgrades at Berth 25 have been completed, all cruise ships operating along the Brazilian coast will be able to berth directly in front of the passenger terminal," he assured.

Only partially completed

When contacted, APS stated that the decision at the time was to complete the quay realignment without including the Concais section, adding that "cruise ships have other berthing options available."

Regarding the installation of the fendering systems, the Port Authority said it is studying a feasible solution.

With respect to vessel height in relation to the power transmission cables, APS stated that, together with the Port Captaincy, it follows the applicable air draft guidelines.

"Should additional studies revise the currently established value, the matter will be subject to reassessment."

Concais cites the most recent cruise season, during which vessels measuring 286 and 333 meters in length called at Santos (Alexsander Ferraz/AT Archive)

Restricted use

The Navy quay, where cruise ships also berth, cannot currently be used in its entirety because, last year, a vessel struck the pier, damaging part of the structure, which has yet to be repaired. No definitive date has been set for reopening the affected area.

The Port Captaincy of São Paulo (CPSP) explained that the insurance company responsible for the claim has already selected a contractor, which will be responsible for carrying out the repair works.

Transpetro (a Petrobras subsidiary and owner of the vessel involved in the accident) expects the repairs to be completed in 2027, although no specific month has been announced.

Situation affects the port's image

The inability of cruise ships to berth at the Concais terminal creates inconveniences, according to tourism expert and strategic tourism planning specialist Selma Cabral.

"It directly affects the passenger experience, but it discourages cruise lines and vessels more than passengers themselves, as it reduces the Port's competitiveness compared with other markets", she said.

Selma notes that, under these circumstances, tourists are deprived of a comfortable embarkation and disembarkation process, while the more complex operations also increase logistics costs.

"Instead of boarding the vessel directly, passengers must be transported by bus within the port area, creating discomfort, increasing operation times and giving the impression of an improvised process."

According to the specialist, first impressions are especially important for travelers beginning a vacation.

"The travel experience begins at embarkation, not once passengers are on board the ship", she observed.

She warns that the greatest risk lies in international comparisons.

"When the experience in Santos becomes more complicated, the perceived quality of the destination declines. This certainly affects passenger satisfaction."

Modernization

Eduardo Silveira, president of the Associação dos Profissionais de Turismo da Baixada Santista (APT), notes that this situation has become increasingly common because cruise ships continue to grow in size, regardless of the passenger terminal.

In light of this, Silveira believes there is an urgent need for a new passenger terminal location. While advocating modernization, he also acknowledges Concais' contribution to the growth and strengthening of the cruise sector.

"It is important to remember that before the passenger terminal was built, embarkation and disembarkation operations were improvised every season in the Port's cargo warehouses. There was no dedicated infrastructure."

The APT president does not believe the current situation discourages passengers outright, but he emphasizes that a new terminal featuring direct boarding through a passenger boarding bridge will attract travelers who are already accustomed to this level of convenience at other ports around the world.

According to Eduardo Silveira, the new facility at Valongo will offer greater comfort, safety and convenience.

"It will be a landmark development — a game changer that will position Santos among the world's most modern cruise terminals."

Passengers report discomfort

Cruise passengers are well aware of the difficulties they face when their vessel cannot berth at Concais.

Business administrator Larissa Squillaro, 38, who lives in Ilhabela (SP), has taken 26 cruises and says that being transported by bus creates unnecessary discomfort.

"The process becomes less convenient, increases embarkation and disembarkation times, and adds another stage to the journey, making it more tiring", she said.

Graphic designer Gabriel Netto and advertising professional Viviane Pivato, both 26 and residents of Bauru (SP), share the same view.

"It makes the boarding process more tiring, mainly because it creates queues, takes longer for passengers to reach the ship and, at times, people have to stand during the bus ride", Gabriel explained.

Larissa also points to longer transfer and waiting times, particularly on busy days, such as when three cruise ships are operating simultaneously.

"Although I understand that there are operational limitations affecting berthing and that these depend on technical and port logistics issues, I believe any measure that reduces waiting times caused by bus transportation will benefit passengers. After all, a cruise begins and ends at the passenger terminal, and both the first and last impressions carry significant weight", she commented.

The business administrator also stresses the need for more effective passenger communication, faster and better-organized internal transportation, and clearer, earlier information regarding the vessel's berthing location and estimated transfer times.

"The goal is to make this stage more seamless and predictable so that passengers enjoy a more comfortable experience from the moment they arrive at the Port until they board the ship. Santos is already Brazil's main cruise gateway and has well-established infrastructure. With targeted improvements, operational enhancements and continued investment, the overall passenger experience can become significantly better for everyone", Larissa concluded.