The ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, in Santa Catarina, are undergoing significant expansions that promise to substantially increase operational capacity and thereby generate greater demand for logistics warehouses in the state, which directly reflects in the appreciation of these assets. With Ibama's approval, a public notice will be issued for the deepening of the access channel to Baía da Babitonga, which will be increased from 14 to 16 meters, allowing the entry of ships up to 366 meters long. The project is estimated at R$ 300 million. Furthermore, the Port of Itapoá, in its fourth expansion phase, plans an investment of R$ 500 million to expand the operational area and modernize its equipment, aiming to become the largest container port in South America by 2033.
The proof that port growth has a direct impact on the appreciation of logistics warehouses can be seen in the case of Navegantes, whose valuation in the sector has reached an impressive 300% in the last 10 years. With the advancement of Portonave, which handled 638,476 TEUs in the first half of this year and recorded a 40% increase in productivity compared to the same period in 2023, the city has been consolidating itself as one of the main logistics hubs in Santa Catarina. In the case of São Francisco and Itapoá, a specialist points to a potential appreciation of up to 40% in the next two years.
Currently, theSort Investments, specialized in the sector, manages R$ 3.5 billion in assets in this segment and has 553,000 m² allocated for the construction of high-standard logistics warehouses in Santa Catarina. The company has a vacancy rate below 5% and achieves a profitability of over 0.7% per month on leases. The logistics warehouses that have achieved this appreciation are of the Triple A type, with special infrastructure such as a ceiling height above 12 meters, floors that support more than 5 tons, and advanced fire fighting systems.
“The expansion of ports in Santa Catarina has been a determining factor in boosting the logistics warehouse market. The increase in operating capacity and the arrival of larger vessels create a growing demand for storage and distribution spaces. We expect significant appreciation in the coming years, with potential for up to 40% in the areas around São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, which should consolidate the region as a strategic logistics hub,” says Douglas Curi, partner at Sort Investimentos.