Port Worker’s Day: working at the port is a vocation, challenge, and motivation, say professionals

The technical fleet superintendent of Aliança Fleet Management, a subsidiary of Grupo Maersk, Lívia Vasconcelos Roma de Albuquerque, 38 years old (Personal Archive)

The Port of Santos moved 179.8 million tons of cargo in 2024, contributing to 29% of the country's trade flow, but there is a sentiment that cannot be measured in currency or tons: the love that thousands of workers have for their activities at the largest port in the Southern Hemisphere, in the most diverse areas of operation. Dedicated individuals, attentive to development, find a sense of purpose in their work. This Tuesday (28), on Port Worker’s Day, A Tribuna brings the stories of four of these professionals who look toward the future beyond the horizon, filled with adventure and the scent of the sea.

From fisherman to casual port worker The satisfaction sweetens the words of casual port worker José Roberto de Matos, 54 years old, who has dedicated 31 years to the stevedoring industry. Born in Guarujá, he began working as a fisherman at 17, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, but decided to migrate to the port sector after his father's death during a fishing trip.

“I raised my entire family with work at the Port of Santos. I am married, have three children, and a granddaughter. I love working in any sector, be it cellulose, soy, corn, containers, warehouses, but what impresses me most are those giant container ships. They are getting bigger and bigger, 400 meters long, and the Port is already preparing to receive these ‘big guys.’ I love it!” he declares.

The casual port worker in stevedoring, José Roberto de Matos, 54 years old (Personal Archive)

Father and daughter Having joined CLI Sul seven months ago, terminal operator 1 Elisangela Clemente da Silva, 36 years old, mother of three boys, followed in her father’s footsteps by entering the port sector and hopes to inspire other women. Among her job tasks are assessing safety conditions in the environment and equipment, opening railcars and trucks for grain and sugar unloading, and managing the doors of the hoppers and vehicles after unloading.

“My father is an operator of heavy machinery, which motivated me to work at the port. What drives me is accomplishing something that, in the view of many, a woman wouldn’t be able to do because it is heavy work. My love for port work is so great that I want to encourage other women to be at the Port of Santos.”

The terminal operator 1 at CLI Sul, Elisangela Clemente da Silva, 36 years old ()

A daily challenge The challenges and the prospect of a promising career led terminal operator 1 at CLI Sul, Cristine Guimarães, 33 years old, to choose the port sector 13 years ago. As a transgender woman, she aspires to become a workplace safety technician.

“Being a role model as a transgender woman in the port sector is challenging. I love what I do and want to be an excellent professional. For that, I dedicate myself, I am patient, and I persevere. It’s about commitment and trust. The company is my second home, and I feel happy alongside the people I work with.”

The terminal operator 1 at CLI Sul, Cristine Guimarães, 33 years old (Arquivo pessoal)

Respected vocation For the technical fleet superintendent of Aliança Fleet Management, a subsidiary of Grupo Maersk, Lívia Vasconcelos Roma de Albuquerque, 38, working in the maritime sector is a “vocation.” She worked for nearly 10 years as a marine engineer on long-haul merchant ships. Currently, based in Santos, she monitors and supervises vehicles and vessels in the Brazilian fleet to ensure good operational conditions.

“Keeping the ship sailing and safe for the people on board, for the environment, and for the cargo, amid so many systems involved and natural hazards, is a great challenge. What drives me is to always keep learning; after so many years working on the ship, today I work for the ship. Overall management is motivating! We connect the whole world, port to port. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?!” she declares.