Portonave becomes the first port terminal in the state of Santa Catarina to reach the milestone of 15 million TEUs handled

On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28), Portonave, the country’s first private container port terminal, celebrates the milestone of 15 million TEUs (unit of measurement equivalent to a 20-foot container) handled since the start of its operations in 2007, becoming the first and only port in the state of Santa Catarina to reach this mark. The achievement occurred during the operation of the vessel Santa Catarina Express, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, with 3,500 moves carried out – 1,555 loadings and 2,031 unloadings – on the Ipanema service (Asia).

In the past year, 1.1 million TEUs were handled, with an average of 114 moves per hour (MPH) – the highest among Brazilian ports – according to the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ). In the first four months of this year, 436,000 TEUs were handled, representing a 17% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

These numbers are impressive as the Port Terminal is carrying out improvement works on its quay and currently operates with a 450-meter berth – while the other half of the quay remains under construction – with completion expected in the second half of this year. In addition, the company will receive new container-handling equipment this year. Investments in the works and equipment total R$2 billion. These investments will allow the operation of vessels up to 400 meters in length, with a draft of up to 17 meters, and will expand annual capacity to 2 million TEUs.

Alongside efficiency and new investments, the Company maintains safety as a strategic priority in all its operations. This commitment is reflected in preventive actions that strengthen risk management and consolidate a mature culture in which prevention and care for people are integrated into decision-making and daily operations. Professionals conduct Daily Safety Dialogues (DSD). Between January 2025 and March 2026, 14,017 dialogues were held. Safety technicians and leaders also carry out safety walks throughout the areas to reinforce best practices.

Safety, efficiency, and excellence guide every delivery of the Company’s port services, a commitment recognized by customers. According to the Ibero-Brazilian Institute of Customer Relationship (IBRC), Portonave ranks first in the Spontaneous Satisfaction Index (SSI) – with 94 points – and the Customer Journey Index (CJI) – with 90 points – among port terminals in the country. The study evaluated 13 container terminals nationwide, with 2025 as the base year. Customer perceptions – such as exporters, importers, shipping lines, transport companies, and customs brokers – were analyzed based on their experience across the main points of contact.

The company is located in Navegantes, on the Northern Coast of Santa Catarina, and began operations in 2007 as Brazil’s first private port terminal. Portonave is one of the country’s largest port terminals in the handling of full long-haul containers and is the national leader in vessel productivity, according to the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ), with an average of 114 moves per hour (MPH) in 2025. Currently, it generates approximately 1,400 direct jobs and 5,500 indirect jobs.