The Santos Region, part of the dynamic Metropolitan Region of Baixada Santista, is emerging as a strategic focal point for the development of waterway transport in Brazil. With a population of approximately 1.6 million people spread over just 2,373 km², the region plays an outsized role in the state's economy, contributing nearly 3.7% of São Paulo's GDP and employing more than 266,000 people. Now, local and national leaders are coming together to take advantage of the region's 42 kilometers of navigable waterways to further drive integration between industrial condominiums integrated with river ports, reduce congestion and promote economic inclusion.

At the recent launch of a development initiative focused on waterway infrastructure, Mayor Rogério Santos stressed the urgency of investing in this mode of transport. He emphasized that, although water transport is already working at the crossings in Santos, in its metropolitan connections, the scale must be expanded to meet the growing intercity demands. "At the entrance to Santos, through the Anchieta Highway, more than 15 thousand trucks pass daily, with heavy traffic", noted the mayor. This congestion is exacerbated by the neighboring industrial complex of Cubatão and the planned Guarujá metropolitan airport, highlighting the need for intermodal integration. "The waterway is fundamental and there are already several studies," he continued. "What we need now is to get it off the ground."

The call to action is supported by national priorities. Fabrizio Pierdomêncio, former national secretary of Ports, reaffirmed that the waterway modal is a strategic commitment of the Ministry of Ports and Airports. Through the Federal Government's Growth Acceleration Plan (PAC), the projection of R$ 4.1 billion is allocated to waterway investments by 2026. These resources depend on feasibility studies that are being developed in partnership with ANTAG (National Waterway Transport Agency). According to Pierdomêncio, the government is actively modeling concession strategies that will align public and private investments, unlocking what he describes as "hundreds of kilometers" of untapped potential for cargo and passenger transit.

Anderson Pomini, CEO of the Santos Port Authority, also emphasized the strategic need for waterways, emphasizing that the traditional infrastructure – rail and road is already operating at its maximum capacity. "If we are discussing the possibility of a new modal, it is because we continue to grow and break records. The numbers are positive," said Pomini. "And the waterway has all the potential."

The former director of Business Development and Regulation of the Port Authority of Santos (APS), Eduardo Lustoza, prefers pragmatism when addressing the issue of waterways. According to him, less speech and more action are needed. "We need to advance in alternatives to serve the Port Complex, making room for the implementation of industrial condominiums integrated with river ports. Where there are population demands, we will have to enter with waterways and passenger transport, because there will be no option."

In addition to improving urban mobility, the development of waterway infrastructure offers profound economic, environmental and social benefits. According to projections based on regional labor indices from AGEM (Metropolitan Agency of Baixada Santista), the implementation of a robust waterway system could lead to a 20% increase in employment, translating into tens of thousands of new jobs.

Blue Economy Santos strongly supports this initiative, and the AEAS (Association of Engineers and Architects of Santos) incorporates this comprehensive project with several sustainability actions, including "HIDROVIAS JÁ" one of its priorities. 

In conclusion, the Santos Region is at a crossroads. The convergence of political will, strategic investment and logistical need makes this moment a unique opportunity to revitalize, reorganize and modernize regional transport. If realized, waterway developments will not only relieve urban pressure and increase productivity but also serve as a replicable model for sustainable and inclusive infrastructure across Brazil.

Edited by: RethinkingWorks – Mathias Mangels with revision by Eduardo Lustoza