New cruise terminal in Santos authorized, with investment exceeding R$ 1 Billion

The Santos Vivo project would extend parallel to the Port’s navigation channel, in an area of 294,000 m² (Reprodução)

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) authorized this Wednesday (9) the installation of a new passenger terminal in Ponta da Praia, in Santos, with an estimated investment of R\$ 1.247 billion. Through adhesion contract 4/2025, MPor grants administrative approval for the investment, which will still require a series of permits before construction can begin. The project had already received authorization from the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq).

The project, called Santos Vivo, is led by the company Transbrasa, which operates a backport terminal in Santos. The new cruise facility would extend parallel to the Port’s navigation channel, along the shores of the Baía de Santos, covering an area of 294,000 square meters.

In a statement sent to A Tribuna , Transbrasa emphasized that the announcement marks a key step toward the continuation of technical studies for the future implementation.

“This is a project that will raise Santos to a global level in terms of tourism and port infrastructure. It will contribute to the City’s development, meeting the projected demands in the port, tourism, and sustainability sectors”, the company highlighted.

The development will require authorization from the Secretariat of the Union’s Heritage (SPU), as it is located on federal land, from the Navy (due to the navigation channel), from the Municipality (to ensure zoning compliance in the neighborhood), and environmental licensing.

In July of last year, A Tribuna published a report on the intention to implement this project in Santos. At the time, specialists deemed the proposal unfeasible due to the potential impact on residents of Ponta da Praia and the lack of demand for two passenger terminals in Santos.

It is worth noting that the current Giusfredo Santini terminal, operated by Concais in Outeirinhos, is expected to be relocated to Valongo. The plan is to build a modern facility with expanded capacity for ships, revitalizing the area. The cost of the platform to be constructed over the water in front of Parque Valongo would be covered by the winning company of the Tecon Santos 10 auction, which will be located next to it, at the Saboó quay.

Authorizations The new terminal in Ponta da Praia was only one of several authorizations signed yesterday by MPor. The ministry also approved the implementation of four additional new port terminals and the expansion of four existing ones, across five Brazilian states. Total private investments amount to R\$ 4.7 billion.

With these signed authorizations, the responsible companies may begin construction. The forecast is that initial works will start in the second half of 2025, with operations being gradually initiated from 2026 onward. The developments are expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases.

The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, stated that Brazil has growing logistical potential, especially for food exports to Asia, Europe, and other South American countries. “Our expectation is for average growth between 3% and 6% in the coming years”, he projected.

According to the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, around 65% of cargo movement in Brazil is handled through private use terminals (TUPs). “They are essential to ensure logistical efficiency and competitiveness in the country”, he said.