Svitzer Expands in Brazil with Operations at Port of Itaqui
Svitzer Expands Brazilian Footprint with New Tugboat Operations in Port of Itaqui
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – December 5, 2024: Global towage and marine services provider Svitzer has launched operations in the Port of Itaqui in São Luís, Maranhão, marking a significant expansion in its Brazilian presence. This move underscores Svitzer’s commitment too the Brazilian market, where it has invested over R$650 million in the past nine years.
The Port of Itaqui, a key logistical hub for the Central-North and Central Brazil corridors, plays a vital role in the nation’s economic development. Its advanced infrastructure, including grain and fuel storage, deep berths for large vessels, and multimodal transport connections, makes it a critical link in regional and national trade.
“The Port of Itaqui serves as a critical hub for cargo from the Corredor Centro-Norte and Brazil’s Central-West region,” said Arjen Van Dijk, Managing Director Americas, Svitzer. “Its importance as a central trade hub connecting with domestic and international markets is immense. We are proud to be able to serve our customers while at the same time supporting the continued development of brazil’s national trade and logistics.”
Powerful Tugboats for High-Performance Operations
Svitzer’s entry into Maranhão is supported by two state-of-the-art tugboats, the Svitzer Denise and Svitzer Joaquim R. These modern Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) models,boasting static bollard pulls of 72 and 76 tonnes respectively,are specifically designed to meet the operational demands of the ports of Itaqui,Ponta da Madeira,and Alumar.
“Our entry into yet another port underscores our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market,” said Daniel Cohen, President of Svitzer brazil. “Itaqui is the largest public port in northern and northeastern Brazil and ranks as the fourth-largest public port nationwide. It is a strategic hub for regional production and exports, including iron ore and soybeans.As Brazil’s economy continues to flourish, we remain highly dedicated to continue strengthening our position in the country, investing in our people and modern, highly efficient equipment.”
expanding Fleet and Investments in Brazil
Svitzer Brazil currently operates a fleet of 22 tugboats, with three additional ASD vessels under construction. These vessels,designed by Robert Allan Ltd. and built at the Rio Maguari shipyard in Belém, Pará, demonstrate Svitzer’s commitment to leveraging local expertise and contributing to the development of Brazil’s maritime infrastructure.
Through these expansions and investments, Svitzer reaffirms its dedication to enhancing operational safety and efficiency while supporting the economic growth of Brazil’s vital port complexes.
