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São Paulo, Brazil, is home to the Port of Santos, the largest port in Latin America. Strategically located near industrial and agricultural hubs, it plays a crucial role in Brazil's economy. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and general loads. As of recent years, it has achieved significant container throughput, reaching around 5.4 million TEUs annually. Its modern infrastructure and efficient connections make it a key gateway for international trade, contributing significantly to Brazil's foreign trade volume.
The Port of Santos, São Paulo’s main port, features over 50 specialized terminals handling containers, solid and liquid bulk, and general cargo. Key facilities include major container terminals operated by DP World and Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP), a new grain and fertilizer terminal, and a large cruise terminal. Equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes, electrified rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), and advanced yard management systems; the port is also investing in automation, though AGVs are not yet widely deployed.
São Paulo’s main container terminal is the Port of Santos, the largest and busiest in Brazil and Latin America. It features 62 berths across 58 terminals, handling a wide range of cargo types, including containers, dry and liquid bulk, and general loads. Annual container throughput exceeds 2.6 million TEUs. Automation is moderate, with modern equipment but not fully automated operations. Major operators include Santos Brasil, DP World, and Libra Terminals, all managing key container facilities within the port complex.
The Port of Santos serves as São Paulo's primary maritime gateway and Latin America's largest port complex. Located on São Paulo's coast, it connects Brazil to over 200 ports across 80 countries through extensive shipping routes. The port handles connections to major markets including Asia, with China receiving 60% of its agricultural exports, plus trade routes to Europe and the Americas. It's strategically linked to Brazil's interior through major highways and rail networks, processing nearly 30% of Brazil's trade balance and serving as the main export corridor for commodities from Brazil's agricultural heartland.
Location: São Paulo state, Brazil
TEU Throughput: 5.4 million TEUs (2024), marking a 14.7% growth and surpassing 5 million TEUs for the first time in the port's history
World Ranking: 40th globally for container handling
Total Cargo: 179.8 million tonnes (2024), the highest annual result in port history
Terminals: 32 terminals handling containers, general cargo, and special cargo
Global Connectivity: Connected to over 600 ports across 125 countries
Trade Significance: Handles 29% of Brazil's total trade flow, valued at $174.43 billion
