Porto Itapoá is set to install more than 1,800 power outlets for refrigerated containers over the next six months, with 540 outlets expected to be operational by December.
This expansion will complement the existing 2,958 outlets, bringing the total to 4,038, making it the largest number of outlets in Santa Catarina and the second-largest in Brazil. A significant portion of the refrigerated cargo handled at Porto Itapoá consists of animal protein exports, which are vital to the region’s economy.
According to Felipe Fioravanti Kaufmann, Business Development and Client Experience Director of Porto Itapoá, “The increase in the number of power outlets was already foreseen in the expansion plan for the Terminal, but their implementation was anticipated in order to meet the needs of the productive sector,” he explained.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) anticipates that 2024 will be a strong year for chicken and pork production in the country. Pork exports are projected to reach a record 1.325 million tons by the end of the year, marking an increase of up to 7.7% compared to 2023. Initial estimates for 2025 suggest exports could rise to 1.375 million tons, representing a 3.8% increase over 2024.
Additionally, chicken meat exports are expected to grow by up to 2.2% in 2024, with total sales projected to reach 5.25 million tons, potentially increasing to 5.35 million tons in 2025.
Kaufmann highlights how important Santa Catarina is in this scenario: “The 2023 ABPA Annual Report shows that the State was responsible for over 50% of pork exports from all of Brazil, ranking first in this regard. With regard to chicken meat, Santa Catarina was the second largest exporter in the country, representing 21% of total exports,” he said.
In 2023, the neighbouring state of Paraná was the leading exporter of chicken meat, accounting for 40% of Brazil’s total exports, and ranked third in pork exports, contributing 14% of the total.
By August 2024, Porto Itapoá had already processed 77,961 TEUs of refrigerated cargo, a 34% increase from the 57,994 TEUs handled in the same period last year.
The majority of this year’s exports were directed to China, which received approximately 13%, followed by the Philippines at 9.9%, the United Arab Emirates at 9.4%, and Japan at 8.4%.
