JBS Terminais Invests BRL 130 Million to Boost Operations at the Port of Itajaí

Introduction

Since taking over operations at the Port of Itajaí (SC) in October 2024, JBS Terminais has processed over 143,000 TEUs in just seven months with an initial investment of BRL 130 million, positioning itself as a key logistics hub in southern Brazil.

Robust Infrastructure and Growing Throughput

Situated on a 180,000-square-meter site, the terminal features 1,030 meters of quay, four berths, and a depth of 14 meters—allowing for the docking of large vessels. It includes 1,750 refrigerated container outlets and eight reversible gates, supporting an annual handling capacity of up to 558,000 TEUs. The facility currently serves over 1,700 clients and generates approximately BRL 7 million in municipal service tax (ISS) for the city of Itajaí.

From October 2024 through April 2025, cargo handling was distributed as follows: 33% imports (dry and reefer), 24% exports (dry), 17% exports (reefer), and 26% cabotage, transshipment, and other categories. The terminal employs 334 full-time staff and 350 casual port workers (TPAs).

New International Routes and Expanded Connectivity

Starting in June 2025, the terminal will launch new international shipping routes. Among them is the GS1 route, which will link South America to the Gulf of Mexico, facilitating exports of timber, frozen meat, ceramics, and machinery, and imports of plastics, rubber, and chemicals. The introduction of the Mercosul Line, operated by CMA CGM, will further enhance the terminal’s global connectivity.

Continued Investment in Technology and Sustainability

JBS Terminais is set to invest an additional BRL 90 million to modernize operations. This includes acquiring two Konecranes Gottwald ESP.9 mobile harbor cranes, each with a 125-ton capacity and a reach of 20 rows. The company is also testing electric Terminal Tractor (TT) trucks to reduce emissions, enhance operational safety, and improve energy efficiency.

Integrated Management and Strategic Vision

The company has initiated an optimization process, assuming unified management of the public port complex in Itajaí to eliminate logistical bottlenecks, reduce urban impact, and streamline cargo flow in the region. According to Aristides Russi Junior, President of JBS Terminais, this long-term strategy reflects the company’s global logistics expertise.

“Our global experience, built over decades of exports to more than 180 countries, combined with operational expertise from JBS divisions like BrasKarne and Eldorado Celulose, enables us to deliver a terminal that is both efficient and strategically positioned for Brazil’s international trade.”

Strong Presence in Santa Catarina

The Itajaí port operation strengthens JBS’s well-established footprint in Santa Catarina, which accounts for 2.47% of the company’s national GDP contribution. JBS is active in 22 cities across the state, with a production impact of BRL 24.3 billion. The company employs more than 25,000 people locally and partners with over 2,700 contracted farming families.

In addition to the port terminal, JBS’s infrastructure in Santa Catarina includes 25 production facilities, five hatcheries, four farms, three distribution centers, one biotechnology innovation center, and operations under JBS Transportadora.

Operational Overview – JBS Terminais (May 2025)

• Start of operations: October 2024
• Total area: 180,000 m²
• Annual handling capacity: up to 558,000 TEUs
• TEUs handled through April 2025: 143,230
• Refrigerated container outlets: 1,750
• Reversible gates: 8
• Clients served: 1,700
• Shipping lines: 7
• Weekly calls: 8
• Full-time employees: 334
• Casual port workers: 350
• ISS generated: BRL 7 million
• Initial investment: BRL 130 million
• Additional planned investment: BRL 90 million