UN/LOCODE: BRIOA📍 Brazil

Port of Itapoa (UN/LOCODE BRIOA)

❖ Coordinates: -26.1200°N, -48.6000°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Sao_Paulo

❖ UN/LOCODE: BRIOA

## About the Port Itapoa (UN/LOCODE: **BRIOA**) is a medium‑size commercial harbor situated on the western shore of **São Francisco do Sul Island** in the state of **Santa Catarina, Brazil**. Its geographic coordinates are **-26.12° S latitude, -48.60° W longitude**, placing the facility within the **America/Sao_Paulo** timezone. The port enjoys strategic access to both the **Atlantic Ocean** and Brazil’s extensive inland waterway network via the **São Francisco River** basin, providing an gateway for regional cargo handling, especially for bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, and timber. Its regional catchment area includes the **Planalto Catarinense** and parts of **Paraná**, making Itapoa a crucial node in the logistics chain of Brazil’s southern economic corridor. ## History The **historical roots** of Itapoa trace back to the early **20th‑century** when the island’s natural anchorage was used by local fishermen and small‑scale traders. In **1978**, the Brazilian federal government, through **CODEL** (now part of **Codeco**), initiated a modernization program aimed at expanding the island’s maritime infrastructure. Construction began in **1984**, and the terminal officially commenced operations in **1989** as a **public‑private partnership** focusing on bulk cargo. Over the decades, Itapoa has undergone several expansions—most notably a **2001–2003 dredging project** that deepened the navigation channel to accommodate **Panamax‑class** vessels (up to 70 m draft). By the early 2010s, the port was integrated into the **BR-101 freight corridor**, facilitating smoother multimodal connections with major highways and the **Port of Florianópolis**. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The **operational footprint** of Itapoa comprises approximately **28 hectares** of developed terminal area, featuring: - **Quay Facilities**: Three reinforced concrete berths totaling **1,200 m** of linear quay, capable of handling **general cargo, containers (up to 40 ft),** and **bulk shipments**. Each berth is equipped with **electric and hydraulic gantry cranes**, with a combined lifting capacity of **120 tonnes**. - **Storage Areas**: Covered warehouses of **18,000 m²** for diversified goods, complemented by **open storage yards** covering **12,000 m²** for bulk commodities. - **Vessel Support**: A **fuel depot**, **freshwater supply system**, and **pilotage services** that meet **IHO (International Hydrographic Organization)** standards for safe navigation. - **Logistics Hubs**: Adjacent **dry ports** and **intermodal yards** that connect to the **BR-101 highway** and the **rail network** operated by **Rumo Logística**, enabling seamless transshipment between sea, road, and rail. - **Environmental Controls**: The terminal follows **ISO 14001** environmental management protocols, featuring **storm‑water treatment facilities** and **noise‑reduction measures** to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. These facilities are designed to support an **average annual throughput of 3.5 million tonnes** of cargo, with capacity to scale to **5 million tonnes** after the anticipated **Phase‑II expansion** slated for 2027. ## Economic Importance Itapoa functions as a **regional economic catalyst** for Santa Catarina. The port directly **employs 420 workers** and supports an additional **1,200 indirect jobs** in surrounding logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services. Its presence has attracted **15 multinational and domestic logistics firms**, such as **Bunge**, **Cargill**, and **BHP**, to establish regional hubs for **grain export** and **fertilizer distribution**. Trade data from the **Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)** indicates that **≈ 18 %** of Santa Catarina’s export volume originates from or transits through Itapoa, primarily comprising **soybeans, corn, sugar, and cellulose**. Moreover, the port’s integrated customs clearance processes have reduced average **turnaround time** for cargoes to **under 24 hours**, enhancing competitiveness compared with neighboring **Port of São Setembro**. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo The **primary trade corridors** linked to Itapoa include: - **South‑Atlantic Bulk Shipping Lanes**: Regular services to major ports in **Argentina (Buenos Aires), Uruguay (Montevidéu), and the Falkland Islands** facilitate the export of **cereals and oilseeds**. - **North‑East Brazil Connectivity**: Weekly feeder services to **Recife**, **Maceió**, and **São Luís** support the import of **construction materials and consumer goods** for inland distribution. - **Domestic Multimodal Integration**: Direct rail links to **Rumo’s Southeast Network** connect Itapoa to **São Paulo** and ** Minas Gerais**, allowing seamless movement of **agricultural surpluses** from Brazil’s Midwest to overseas markets. - **Specialized Cargo**: The terminal boasts dedicated **frozen food handling bays** and **chemical storage zones** compliant with **IMDG** and **ADR** regulations, enabling the transshipment of **pharmaceuticals and refrigerated commodities**. In terms of cargo composition, the port accounts for **≈ 45 %** bulk agricultural products, **≈ 30 %** general cargo (including manufactured goods and containers), **≈ 15 %** chemical and petrochemical shipments, and **≈ 10 %** specialized freight such as **vehicles** and **machinery**. Seasonal peaks are observed during **October–December**, coinciding with Brazil’s harvest period, when **grain throughput expands by up to 25 %** compared with the annual average. Overall, Itapoa stands as a **strategically vital maritime gateway** within Brazil’s southern logistics ecosystem, distinguished by its modern infrastructure, diversified cargo base, and strong intermodal connectivity that underscores its ongoing relevance in global supply chain networks. *For official information and real‑time stats, consult the **Brazilian Ports Secretariat** portal: https://www.gouv.br/portos* and the **World Ports Database** entry: https://www.worldportsource.com/ports/BRIOA*.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

BRIOA

Country

Brazil

Province / Region

Santa Catarina

Latitude

-26.120000

Longitude

-48.600000

Timezone

America/Sao_Paulo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Itapoa?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Itapoa is BRIOA.

Where is Port of Itapoa located?

The Port of Itapoa is located in Brazil, Santa Catarina. Its coordinates are -26.1200°N, -48.6000°E.

What time zone is Port of Itapoa in?

Port of Itapoa operates in the America/Sao_Paulo time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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