Itaqui, Brazil

Port Overview

The Port of Itaqui is located in São Luís, Maranhão, on Brazil’s northeast coast. It ranks among the country’s major ports due to its deep-water access and strategic proximity to Europe, North America, and the Panama Canal. Serving as a key export hub for grains, minerals, and bulk cargo, Itaqui connects the agricultural and industrial hinterlands of northern and central Brazil. The port handles approximately 100,000 TEU annually, supporting regional development and international trade with modern facilities and efficient logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

The Port of Itaqui features nine operational berths, including specialized terminals for grains (Tegram), petroleum products, and general cargo. Key facilities include extensive storage tanks, a new pump park, and modern pipe-rack systems. The port handles bulk commodities such as soybeans, corn, cellulose, and copper. Equipment includes high-capacity ship loaders, mobile harbor cranes, and conveyor systems. While automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not specifically mentioned, the port is undergoing continuous infrastructure upgrades to enhance efficiency.

Container Terminals

Itaqui Port in Brazil has eight operational berths, with ongoing expansion plans. Its container terminal capacity is modest compared to bulk operations, focusing mainly on general cargo and agricultural exports. Automation is present but not at the highest global standards, with recent investments aimed at improving efficiency. The port is managed by EMAP, and major operators include Vale, Bunge, Petrobras, and other grain exporters.

Port Services

• Container handling: Facilities for containerized cargo, including regular shipping services.
• Cargo operations: Specialized in solid bulk (soybeans, corn, pig iron, manganese), liquid bulk (petroleum products, LPG), fertilizers, coal, cellulose, and breakbulk cargo.
• Ship services: Bunkering (marine fuel supply), provisions, minor repairs, pilotage, and medical facilities.
• Warehousing: Storage and transfer operations for oil products, LPG, and general cargo; export and cabotage warehouses.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Itaqui, Brazil is a major deep-water port strategically located in São Luís, Maranhão, serving as a key export hub for grains, minerals, and petroleum products. It connects northern and central Brazil—including Maranhão, Piauí, Tocantins, Pará, Goiás, and Mato Grosso—to global markets. The port offers direct shipping routes to Europe, the United States, and Asia, with notably competitive transit times via the Panama Canal, making it a vital gateway for international trade.

Port Statistics

Port of Itaqui, Brazil – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 120,000 TEU annually (primarily bulk cargo; container volumes are modest).
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100; among Brazil’s top 10 public ports by cargo volume.
• Number of berths: 7 operational berths.
• Area: 180 hectares.
• Shipping lines: Served by major international lines including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and regional operators.