The auction of the STS-10 container terminal, announced by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, marks a significant milestone for the Port of Santos. The new terminal will have four berths, one more than originally planned, adding 3 million TEUs/year to the port’s capacity, a 50% increase over the current 5.9 million TEUs. The auction is scheduled for 2025, with the terminal expected to be fully operational between 2028 and 2029.
This expansion comes amid a broader renewal phase at the Port of Santos. In addition to STS-10, other terminals, such as Santos Brasil, BTP, and DPWorld, are also planning expansions, which could add another 1.5 million TEUs/year. In the opinion of an industry entrepreneur, this is "Great news for the region". These combined investments will enhance the port's competitiveness in international trade, ensuring more efficiency and growth for Brazil.
Another relevant factor is the recent acquisition of control of Santos Brasil by the French shipping giant CMA-CGM, one of the largest global players in logistics and maritime transport. This move solidifies Santos as a strategic hub, further increasing container handling capacity and modernizing the port's infrastructure.
Pressure for infrastructure solutions is also a key issue, with organizations like the Santos Commercial Association (ACS) advocating for improvements at the government level to ensure the port meets growing demand. This surge in the logistics sector, driven by investments and strategic actions from international players, points to a promising future for the Port of Santos, elevating its operations and global importance.
Moreover, the Port of Santos remains the primary export gateway for Brazil’s agribusiness, especially for products like soy, corn, and meat, which rely on efficient logistics. With the improvements projected for STS-10, maritime transport infrastructure is expected to keep pace with the country’s accelerating production and exports, ensuring smoother flow of national goods.
Finally, the impact of this expansion extends beyond trade. The modernization of container terminals is set to bring socioeconomic benefits to the Santos region, such as creating new direct and indirect jobs, and boosting the development of local supply chains, attracting more businesses and services to the area. All of this contributes to revitalizing both the regional and national economy, reinforcing the Port of Santos' strategic role on the global stage.
Source: A Tribuna