Port of Santos signs $88.9M contract for real-time ship monitoring system

On 6 August, the Autoridade Portuária de Santos (APS) signed a five‑year contract worth R$ 88.99 million with the Consórcio Portulano to install a Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) at Brazil’s main container hub. The system will provide real‑time monitoring of vessel movements across the organized port area, using cameras and radar stations on strategic points such as Ilha da Moela. Data will be displayed in an APS operations centre and shared with the Polícia Marítima, the Brazilian Navy and the Federal Revenue Service to improve navigational safety, reduce collisions and support the fight against drug trafficking and cargo theft. The project, delayed for more than 15 years by regulatory changes, is expected to have its first tools operational next year, cutting the implementation timeline from four to two years. The VTMIS is part of a broader digital‑transformation programme that includes 5G, a digital twin and other smart‑port initiatives.