New Cruise Terminal Planned for Brazil's Port of Santos

The Port of Santos in Brazil could soon feature a new cruise terminal and tourism hub as part of the ambitious Santos Vivo initiative.

Local news sources report that the proposed development has recently received preliminary approval from municipal authorities.

A key element of the project involves building an artificial island, which would be connected to the city’s Ponta da Praia district via a newly constructed pier.

The development would include a wide range of attractions and amenities such as a marina, a shopping area featuring a mall, a water park, luxury hotel, residential apartments, restaurants, parking areas, and a three-berth cruise terminal.

Engineered to receive some of the largest cruise ships in operation, the terminal is expected to handle more than 250 port calls annually and accommodate up to three vessels at the same time.

To support environmental efforts, the design of the new pier includes features intended to shield the coastal area from strong sea swells.

Established under local regulations as a designated Tourism Port Installation, the complex would be constructed by a consortium of private companies, led by logistics firm Transbrasa, which currently manages cargo terminals at the Port of Santos.

According to the project’s website, the Santos Vivo plan involves an initial investment exceeding 1.2 billion reais (approximately $220 million USD) and is anticipated to generate over 5,000 new employment opportunities.

Additional features planned for the site include a rock climbing wall, a water sports facility, and a transport hub with connections to a nearby airport.

With initial clearance from Brazil’s Ports and Airports Ministry secured, the project must now move through further licensing and regulatory steps.

Although no definitive construction schedule has been announced, early projections had targeted a mid-2027 opening for the complex.

Currently, cruise ships dock at the Concais Cruise Terminal, located within Santos’ commercial port. This privately managed facility served over one million passengers during the 2024-25 cruise season, maintaining Santos' status as Brazil’s—and South America’s—leading cruise homeport.