INVESTMENTS AND Prospects
In 2011, the total investment made by Santos Brasil was R$196.7 million, close to the investments made in 2010. More than 90% of resources were directed towards the expansion and improvement of the Company's operations, with emphasis on investments made at Tecon Imbituba – which absorbed 63.7% of the total amount invested. During the year, quay expansion and reinforcement works were finalized and two ZPMC cranes were purchased to help support the growth expected for this terminal.
| (R$ million) | 2011 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT TERMINALS | 175.9 | 163.9 | 7.3% |
| Tecon Santos | 43.4 | 32.0 | 35.6% |
| Tecon Imbituba | 125.3 | 130.0 | -3.6% |
| Tecon Vila do Conde | 7.1 | 1.9 | 273.7% |
| VEHICLES TERMINAL | 0.2 | 1.0 | -80.0% |
| LOGISTICS | 20.3 | 22.6 | -10.2% |
| CORPORATE | 0.4 | 22.4 | - |
| CONSOLIDATED | 196.7 | 210.0 | -6.3% |
At Tecon Santos, 12 new twin-pick RTG (capable of lifting two 20-ft. containers) and 30 new Terminal Tractors, to replace trucks for internal use, were purchased. At Tecon Vila do Conde, the investment made (R$7.11 million) corresponds essentially to adaptations in the operations yard.
Investments made by Santos Brasil in 2011 reinforce the expected operational growth and enable the two terminals to receive an increasing flow of containers with marginal investment over the coming years.
PERSPECTIVES
In 2012, although the macroeconomic environment shows signs of being less favorable, Santos Brasil remains centered around its sustainable growth strategy, focusing on the continuous creation of value, making use of opportunities and reinforcing synergies in the segments in which we operate.Besides seeking at market share gains, the Company will continue investing in consolidating its customer relations, offering complete turnkey solutions for their needs. To do this, the Company will maintain the investments directed at improving processes and the use of cutting-edge tools and technologies, with emphasis on integrated logistics services to ensure operational synergy and increased competitiveness for its customers.
By establishing logistics solutions for services involving multi-modal container terminals, bonded storage, customized transport solutions and distribution from its units and terminals, the Company seeks to streamline the logistics paths for its clients with intelligent alternatives that save money and time.
The introduction of containers as a means of transport contributed to improving port efficiency, allowing for a reduction in costs and, consequently, of freight. It also played a critical role in the globalization of production and world trade: containerization advanced the shipping market and shipping routes increased in terms of the number of destinations and frequencies.
The Company believes that Brazil, with its vast territory, and in view of its growing domestic demand – now rising to its full potential with the Football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 – due to the difficulties raised by its current transport structure, will certainly contribute to the development of multimodal transport, in which containers have advantages as a critical part of logistics solutions.
At the Port of Santos, the recent dredging – resulting in a deepening of the channel from 13.3 meters to 15 meters – is beginning to change the profile of international shipping traffic to Brazil, permitting larger ships to enter the channel and even further consolidating its position as Brazil's leading port.
To the same extent, the Port of Imbituba was also prepared to receive fifth-generation ships, capable of carrying up to 13,000 TEU from the Port of Santos, directly benefiting the manufacturing centers of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina and the Mercosur logistics chain.
Given that scenario, Santos Brasil is fully qualified to respond positively to any increase in demand for the use of containers, acting with determination, pro-activity and a commitment to offer the best operating performance for its clients. In line with the position adopted in recent years, Santos Brasil will continue collaborating to increase the country's port logistics capacity, promoting investments in infrastructure, acquisitions, expansion, technological modernization, personnel training and management.
The Company is working with the prospect of continuous strengthening of the domestic market, economic growth, and Brazil's inclusion in global trade. Within that scenario, the development of port and distribution logistics activities is inevitable.