DP World to boost Santos Port handling capacity by 25%: Port operator DP World is earmarking USD 296 mn in investments to boost capacity and improve terminal operations at Brazil’s Santos Port, in a bid to increase the port’s total handling capacity by 25% to 2.1 mn TEUs by 2028, according to a statement.

Where’s the money going? Investments will be funneled toward infrastructure development, including the construction of a new berth and expanding the yard, enlarging inspection areas, revamping access gates, and adding more reefer towers. It will also fund the uptake of four quay cranes, 15 rubber-tired gantry cranes, and 40 internal transfer vehicles.

Background: The new investment builds on a larger total of over USD 555 mn that DP World has invested in Brazil since launching there 12 years ago. Last year, DP World said it invested some USD 83.3 mn into expansion projects in Santos, which are currently underway. This includes the development of a 190-meter quay extension to enhance berth flexibility and boost handling capacity to 1.7 mn TEUs by next year.

DATA POINT- The Santos terminal’s container throughput rose by a record-breaking 14% y-o-y to 1.25 mn TEUs in 2024, the statement says. DP World has processed over 10 mn TEUs of goods at the terminal since launching operations.

A special love for Santos? The firm extended its agreement with global shipping line Hapag-Lloyd over container handling operations in Santos for another 10 years in September, and in March inked an eight-year strategic agreement with Danish shipping giant Maersk to expand the port’s maritime services and container handling capacity. Last year, DP World and Brazil’s leading railway operator Rumo also agreed to establish a new terminal for grains and fertilizers at Santos Port.

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