Santos Port Authority to assume management of a port in Santa Catarina

Itajaí's operations were halted in 2022 when the Federal Government intended to privatize the port (Porto of Itajaí/Disclosure)

The Santos Port Authority (APS) will assume management of the Port of Itajaí in Santa Catarina. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) this Tuesday (17), following the Federal Government's decision to take back control of the port, which is currently operating provisionally under the municipality's administration.

The MPor stated that the decision to take over the Port of Itajaí’s management was made after extensive discussions within the Federal Government, concluding that APS was the best option.

"The selection (of APS) followed the recommendation that the Port of Itajaí’s administration be entrusted to a company with strong management capabilities and financial stability to ensure the continuity of operations, the preservation of jobs, and efficient cargo handling", the MPor said.

The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, emphasized that "the joint work between the two ports strengthens logistical competitiveness, facilitates the optimization of routes and operations, and improves efficiency in serving the international market, boosting economic development in both regions."

According to the MPor, the resumption of Itajaí aims to "foster economic development in Santa Catarina, promote job and income generation, and ensure the continuity of port operations."

The Port of Itajaí had its activities halted in 2022, when the Federal Government, at that time, intended to privatize it. In December 2023, under the current government, a provisional contract was signed, allowing the resumption of activities.

Experience In a statement, APS mentioned that the task assigned by MPor was due to the current management of the Port of Santos proving its ability to oversee the recovery of the Santos quay after four years under the previous government focused on privatization.

"The current board, led by President Anderson Pomini, has faced challenges in resuming investment processes and infrastructure projects, which included negotiating solutions for various issues."

Regarding Itajaí, the statement explained, the mission will be to assist the teams at that port in resuming cargo handling and carrying out essential works, such as dredging.

"We’ve already had an initial discussion in Itajaí, and further meetings will follow. It’s a process of assistance, not intervention", APS clarified, highlighting that the management of the Port of Santos will not be negatively affected.