Praia Grande aims to join the Port of Santos Polygon to foster economic expansion

Portinho area in Praia Grande: City Hall believes in the waterway potential for both cargo and passengers (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

The Praia Grande City Hall aims to attract investments from the port sector, with the possibility of the city joining the Port of Santos polygon. To achieve this, the alignment of the city's projects with the intentions of the Port Authority of Santos (APS) is planned. This topic was discussed during a meeting on Monday (7) at the City Hall between the APS president, Anderson Pomini, and the mayor, Alberto Mourão (MDB). The mayor presented opportunities that could add value to both the city and the port, which is undergoing an expansion aimed at the coming decades.

"We discussed the port issue in the region, the impact we can have on regional economic development. We were able to outline some actions that the City Hall can take together with the Port Authority to further enhance regional development", explains Mourão.

The mayor mentions that Praia Grande has approximately 15 million square meters (m²) available, with 10 million m² being usable area. "We have railways, and the Port of Santos passes very close, less than 500 meters from Praia Grande. So, you can expand the inland port activity."

For Pomini, the discussion was focused on long-term planning. "Starting next month, the Port will have almost 20 million m², expanding its areas to São Vicente, Santos, and Cubatão. We wanted to understand the city’s (Praia Grande) planning so that the Port can grow in an integrated manner, while meeting the growing cargo handling demand. Praia Grande is not yet included. That’s why we visited. But, thinking of the near future, we see the importance of knowing the city’s projects so that the Port can grow using the waterway mode and that some inland areas can be included in the polygon."

Mourão highlighted another advantage of joining the polygon: the expansion of dredging. "The Port Authority is expanding to São Vicente. If we expand to Praia Grande, it will be even better. It will make the implementation of the passenger waterway transport system easier and increase the cargo transported by waterways. With just one action, expanding the Port (to Praia Grande), you can enhance the economic activity as a whole", he predicts.

Anderson Pomini was received by Alberto Mourão at the City Hall (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

162% Expansion The Porto de Santos could reach 20.4 million square meters (m²) within 30 years, with the addition of 12.6 million m² in areas located in Santos, São Vicente, Guarujá, and Cubatão. The decree will allow the incorporation of 15 areas and the expansion of the polygon by 162.4%. According to APS president Anderson Pomini, only bureaucracy is preventing the realization of the polygon expansion.

"Going from 7.8 million square meters to 20 million square meters requires a lot of technical analysis, a great deal of responsibility. I need it to be well-justified, meaning an analysis of the cargo handling potential. The public decision must be very well substantiated. There will be a public hearing to receive final contributions. Afterward, the minister (of Ports and Airports) will decree the new port polygon", he predicts.

Cruise terminals Mayor Alberto Mourão took the opportunity to strengthen the plan of having a cruise terminal in the city. "We will strangle the system if we don’t find a new embarkation option that can complement Porto de Santos. It's not about competing; it’s about complementing so we can continue developing both the cargo economy and tourism", he reflects.

For him, the potential for this economic activity can be better explored. "It’s not just about embarking; it’s about taking advantage of the hospitality sector, encouraging visits, and boosting our restaurants. So, the goal is to discuss with the Port Authority the importance of this terminal and how it can be incorporated into the Porto de Santos project", he adds.