Wed Dec 31 06:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Port of Imbituba Eyes Expansion After Record-Breaking Year, Projects Doubling Capacity

Imbituba, SC – The Port of Imbituba is wrapping up 2025 on a high note, marked by recent record-breaking performance, simultaneous construction projects, and an ambitious plan to nearly double its handling capacity. Current projections aim to increase the capacity from 7-8 million tons to 15 million tons.

In an exclusive interview, Christiano Lopes de Oliveira, CEO of SCPAR Porto de Imbituba, highlighted that the year’s focus was on “planning and investing” to overcome bottlenecks exposed after a historic performance in 2024. Last year, the port reached a record of 8 million tons, pushing the port’s quay occupancy to 92%, making the port aware of the need for expansion.

2025 saw the execution of the largest infrastructure intervention package in the port’s history, with construction fronts open at quays 1, 2, and 3. The challenge, according to Lopes, is to maintain high operational activity while construction proceeds. Work is projected to continue until early 2027, but is expected to significantly impact the terminal’s capacity for years to come.

A key element of the expansion is Quay 3, with over R$115 million in public investment, including R$91 million already committed to ongoing construction. The project includes structural repairs, reinforcement, expansion, installation of containment columns, and the construction of mooring dolphins, increasing the operational length of the quay from 200 to 335 meters. Dredging and rock removal is planned for 2026 to deepen Quay 3, to be executed when operations are paused between December 2026 and March 2027.

In addition to Quay 3, work continues on Quay 2, including the installation of a new mooring dolphin. Combined with rock removal on Quay 1, these interventions represent a R$15 million public investment. These improvements are expected to enable the two berths to accommodate up to four ships simultaneously, improving operational efficiency.

The port also secured authorization from the Brazilian Navy to conduct 40 experimental maneuvers with container ships up to 366 meters in length.

Beto Martins, Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways of SC, attributes the port’s success to operational discipline and investment in modernization.

A new Delegation Agreement between the Union, State, and SCPAR Porto de Imbituba was signed in 2025, officially unifying the administration and operation of the ports of Imbituba and Laguna for 25 years.

In terms of logistics, the port added the weekly Puma maritime line to its portfolio, in addition to the Brazex and ALCT-2 routes, expanding connections between Uruguay, the Northeast of Brazil, and Asian markets.

Technological modernization also advanced with the inauguration of a new R$8.5 million datacenter to increase real-time data processing and storage.

Between January and October 2025, the port handled 6.17 million tons of cargo and recorded 268 berthings, with October being the busiest month, handling 714,700 tons and serving 27 ships. The port anticipates exceeding 7 million tons by year-end.

The port has also strengthened its relationship with the city, increasing direct investments in cultural, sports, and educational sponsorships. Investments have grown from less than R$100,000 in 2022 to over R$700,000 in 2025. Funds have also been allocated for road works carried out by the municipality.

These investments were made possible by Governor Jorginho Mello, who redirected dividends back into the port.

Read More