Itajai, Brazil

Port Overview

Itajaí is a major port city in southern Brazil, located in the state of Santa Catarina, approximately 24 km north of Porto Belo. It is the second-largest container port in Brazil, ranking just behind Santos, and serves as the primary export hub for Santa Catarina, handling a significant share of the state’s production. Strategically, Itajaí is vital for international trade, especially for exports like frozen meat, wood, ceramics, and textiles, and is known for its modern infrastructure and efficient logistics. The port’s annual container throughput is estimated at around 1.1 million TEUs, reflecting its key role in Brazil’s maritime trade network.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Itajai, Brazil, features key facilities like the Itajai container terminal, which includes a 550-meter quay and two STS cranes. JBS Terminais operates a terminal with 1,030 meters of quay, four berths, and a 14-meter draft, equipped with mobile harbor cranes and refrigerated container plugs. The port is expanding with new equipment and storage areas to enhance its cargo handling capacity.

Container Terminals

Port of Itajaí Overview

The Port of Itajaí in Santa Catarina State is Brazil's second-largest container hub. The main terminal operated by JBS Terminais features a 1,030-meter quay with four berths and 14-meter draft, handling up to 558,000 TEUs annually. The facility spans 180,000 square meters with 1,750 reefer plugs and eight reversible gates. JBS Terminais manages operations with mobile harbor cranes and ship-to-shore cranes, serving seven shipping lines with eight weekly calls.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern terminals with advanced equipment for efficient loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Facilities for general, bulk, and specialized cargo, including automotive, agricultural, and manufactured goods.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, provisions, ship repairs, pilotage, and 24/7 vessel traffic management.
• Warehousing: Comprehensive storage and warehousing facilities with integrated logistics and intermodal transfer.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance, documentation support, and advanced digital customs procedures.

Global Connectivity

Itajai, Brazil, is a key maritime gateway with excellent connectivity. It serves as a primary container hub for Southern Brazil and connects to major markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The port is strategically linked to the Mercosur region, enhancing trade with neighboring countries. Recent additions include new shipping lines, such as the Puma Line, which further strengthen its logistics network.

Port Statistics

Port of Itajaí, Brazil key statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 143,230 TEU (Jan–May 2025); annual capacity up to 558,000 TEU
• World ranking: Among Brazil’s top container ports, leading in chicken exports
• Number of berths: 4
• Terminal area: 180,000 sq m
• Shipping lines: Major global carriers serve Itajaí, connecting to markets in China, Japan, Netherlands, and others