Port Itapoa, Brazil

Port Overview

Port Itapoá is located on the northern coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, strategically positioned near major industrial and agricultural regions. It is the largest container port in southern Brazil and consistently ranks among the top three busiest container terminals nationwide. The port is a key gateway for Brazilian foreign trade, supporting both imports and exports with advanced infrastructure and ongoing expansion projects. Its annual handling capacity is up to 2 million TEUs, with recent years seeing volumes between 660,000 and 1.2 million TEUs.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Port Itapoá is a major private container terminal in southern Brazil, featuring a quay over 1,200 meters long and a container yard spanning 455,000 m². Its main facilities include advanced container handling equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes with up to 65-meter outreach, remotely operated RTGs (rubber-tired gantry cranes), and a mobile yard crane. The terminal handles up to 2 million TEUs annually and offers crossdocking, LCL, and direct truck transfer services.

Container Terminals

Port Itapoa, Brazil, operates three container berths and is expanding to accommodate three large vessels simultaneously. Its annual capacity is currently 1.2 million TEUs, with expansion underway to reach 2 million TEUs. The terminal features high automation, including remotely operated hybrid RTGs and Brazil’s largest electric fleet. Porto Itapoa is privately managed, with major operators including Porto Itapoá S.A., and is recognized for its advanced technology and efficiency.

Port Services

• Container handling: Advanced container terminal with capacity for over 1.2 million TEUs per year, including reefer (refrigerated) container services and automated yard operations.
• Cargo operations: Full container load (FCL), less-than-container load (LCL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) cargo handling, with efficient gate and truck flow management.
• Ship services: Modern berthing facilities, ship-to-shore cranes, and 24/7 vessel operations.
• Warehousing: On-site general cargo warehouse and storage solutions, including last-mile delivery and flexible stocking options.
• Customs: Integrated customs clearance, container inspection with advanced scanning technology, and support for import/export procedures.

Global Connectivity

Port Itapoá, located in Santa Catarina, Brazil, is a major container hub with direct connections to key ports in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. It serves the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil, including major industrial and agricultural centers. The port is integrated into major global shipping routes, enabling efficient access to markets such as the United States, China, and Europe, and regularly handles large vessels from leading international shipping lines.

Port Statistics

Port Itapoá, Brazil – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Over 1 million TEUs handled in 2023; 660,742 containers in 2024; cumulative 10 million TEUs since 2011
• World Ranking: Among the top 10 in Latin America; 2nd largest container handler in Brazil
• Number of Berths: 3 berths
• Terminal Area: Over 455,000 m², with expansion underway
• Shipping Lines: Served by all major global shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and others