JBS Terminals resumes operational volume to pre-shutdown levels at the Port of Itajaí
Since taking over management of the leased area in October 2024, JBS Terminais has implemented a highly efficient operational pace, exceeding the mark of 430,000 TEUs handled. In just 15 months under new management, the Company has already served a diversified portfolio of three thousand clients, reaffirming market confidence in the recovery of Itajaí's competitiveness as a gateway to and from global trade.
To support this acceleration and ensure international connectivity, the Company invested approximately R$ 220 million in technological modernization and state-of-the-art infrastructure. This financial investment enabled the acquisition of two latest-generation mobile cranes, the MHC Konecranes Gottwald ESP.9, which have a capacity of 125 tons and a reach of up to 20 rows of containers. In addition, the terminal reinforced its focus on the protein and refrigerated cargo sector with the installation of 1,708 outlets for reefers (refrigerated containers) and optimized the land logistics flow with the implementation of eight reversible gates (entry and exit accesses that can have their direction reversed according to the terminal's operational needs).
Aristides Russi Junior, president of JBS Terminais, emphasizes that the strategic focus is on the absolute efficiency of cargo flow and on restoring the port's regional prominence. According to the executive, the investment plan was designed to transform the terminal into a high-performance platform capable of meeting the most complex demands of modern supply chains. "The recovery of volumes above pre-shutdown levels demonstrates the asset's resilience and the effectiveness of the strategy adopted by the Company from the first day of management," he states.
The current infrastructure comprises an operational area of 180,000 square meters, with 1,030 meters of quay and four berths offering a depth of 14 meters. This physical robustness allows the terminal to operate today with 10 regular shipping lines and seven weekly calls, connecting Santa Catarina directly to essential markets in Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. Throughout 2025, the terminal received 384 vessels, with a strong presence in the Full Container Load (LC) and Full Container Load (CB) segments. This month, JBS Terminais will add another service to its portfolio, LUX, which will connect Brazil to Northern Europe with weekly calls in Itajaí.
The diversity of goods handled reflects the state's economic strength and the terminal's capacity to handle multiple types of cargo. Year-to-date, meat exports lead the list, followed by timber. The port also stands out in the import and export of plastics, prepared animal feed, and high-value-added machinery. According to the executive, JBS Terminals acts as a facilitator of economic development, not only by providing infrastructure but also by ensuring that regional industry has an agile and predictable distribution channel.
The social impact of the operation is also a central pillar in the company's strategy. Currently, JBS Terminais supports 345 direct employees and mobilizes approximately 600 casual port workers daily. The company president emphasizes that the operation in Itajaí was structured to be a model of excellence in port management, where global connectivity translates into sustainable local development, ensuring that the Port of Itajaí remains one of the main drivers of wealth in southern Brazil.
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