Port of São Sebastião projects new cargo throughput record

Natural channel depth, reaching up to 42 meters in some sections, allows the operation of larger vessels (Semil/Disclosure)

The Port of São Sebastião is projecting growth through modernization projects that are expected to expand the terminal’s operational capacity in the coming years. The expectation is to close 2026 with up to 1.6 million tons handled, which would represent a new annual record. In 2025, the terminal handled 1.4 million tons.

Managed by the State Government through Companhia Docas de São Sebastião, the terminal recorded 133.7 thousand tons in January — the highest volume ever recorded for the month.

According to the Port’s CEO, Ernesto Sampaio, the results reflect a consistent process of infrastructure modernization and operational improvement.

“The Port of São Sebastião is undergoing a period of transformation. We have increased our logistics efficiency, diversified cargo, and strengthened our relationship with the export sector. The port is prepared to take on an increasingly relevant role in São Paulo’s and Brazil’s logistics”, he said.

Recent growth has been driven mainly by agribusiness. Sugar has become the main cargo handled, placing the terminal among the national highlights in this segment. Other cargoes include soda ash, malt, barley, petroleum coke, and wheat, the latter resumed after about 25 years.

Its location on the North Coast of São Paulo and improvements to the Rodovia dos Tamoios have expanded the Port’s logistical reach, facilitating access to production hubs. Another factor highlighted is the natural depth of the channel, which reaches around 42 meters in some sections and allows the operation of large vessels without frequent dredging.

Another strategic advancement is the new road access to the terminal, in the final stage of completion. With an investment of more than R\$ 51 million, the project creates a direct route between the highways and the quay, allowing trucks to access the port without passing through the city center.

New area

Among the projects underway is the leasing of the multipurpose terminal SSB01, currently being structured by the Federal Government.

The project foresees up to R\$ 2.5 billion in private investments to expand port infrastructure, including the construction of new berths, operational areas, and cargo reception and dispatch systems. The expansion will place São Sebastião in the containerized cargo market.

The expectation is that the terminal will reach an annual capacity of up to 1.35 million TEU (a standard container unit of measure) and around 3.45 million tons of solid bulk cargo.