Santos Port Expansion Proposal Sparks Economic Planning Talks

SANTOS, Brazil — Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho announced the launch of a public consultation on April 14 for the Expansion Project of the Organized Port Area of Santos. This initiative could increase the port area from 7.8 million square meters to over 20 million square meters.

During the first edition of the ‘Port & Sea’ event, organized by Grupo Tribuna, Costa Filho emphasized that the expansion will enable economic agents and municipalities in the Baixada Santista to engage in “long-term planning.” The meeting took place at the Municipal Chamber of Santos and was attended by various officials, including deputies and mayors.

According to the Port Authority of Santos (APS), the expansion project aims to increase the port area by up to 164% over the next several decades. The project will include areas in Cubatão, São Vicente, and Bertioga, in addition to Santos and Guarujá. “The initiative aims to prepare the growth of the Port of Santos for the coming decades to meet the increasing demand for cargo movement and support Brazil’s development,” stated APS President Anderson Pomini in a press release.

Pomini expressed hope that the decree regarding the new Port of Santos Poligonal would be published by the end of the semester. He remarked, “This action demonstrates this administration’s concern for the future of the Port of Santos and Brazil. We must think big. The pace of the country’s economy demands courage and a good dose of boldness.”

The APS anticipates that the proposed expansion will bring additional investments, jobs, and competitiveness to Brazil. Stakeholders can submit their contributions until May 13, with participation available through public channels.

Earlier in the day, Costa Filho attended the opening of the first phase of the Metropolitan Civil Airport of Guarujá alongside Mayor Farid Madi. The Guarujá City Hall highlighted a new runway measuring 1,390 meters in length and 45 meters in width, making it longer than the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro.

During the event, the minister and mayor also formalized the service order for the second phase of the airport construction, which will involve the establishment of a passenger terminal expected to be completed later this year. Madi stated, “This is an old demand, not only for Guarujá but for the entire Baixada Santista. Our airport will be a game-changer for the development of the entire region. Together with the upcoming immersed tunnel between Santos and Guarujá and the retroport, we will create very favorable conditions for Guarujá to achieve sustainable social development.”