This was the highest growth rate from the five largest container terminals in Brazil. The number of vessels calling at the port also grew by 4.9 per cent in 2022.

The port has invested more than US$25 million into equipment expected to increase the agility of the terminal's operations.

Porto Itapoa will be the first port terminal in South America to operate rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) by remote control following its acquisition of 10 hybrid RTGs. The first set of equipment will arrive in May, while the second wave of equipment is scheduled for November.

The hybrid RTGs consume three times less fuel than a conventional RTG, in addition to providing further safety and ergonomics for employees.

Porto Itapoa will also add an additional $11 million ship-to-shore crane with a 70-metre boom outreach to its existing fleet of six ship-to-shore cranes.

The terminal will double its inspection capacity with the arrival of a new scanner to inspect containers entering its yard.

The Brazilian port has also acquired the HCVM XT, a high-energy inspection system trailer from British company Smiths Detection, for $1.8 million. The acquisition will go into operation this month.

By reducing the need for physical inspections and providing better image quality, the device will increase productivity and "bring more security to all those involved in the process: the Inland Revenue Service, Exporters, Importers, Carriers and employees," according to the director of operations, environment and technology of Porto Itapoa, Sergni Pessoa Rosa.