Port of Santos, Brazil — Online Webcam, Maritime Traffic and Vessel Schedule

A webcam is installed at the entrance channel of the Port of Santos, broadcasting vessel traffic in real time. The largest port in Latin America receives container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers from around the world, and the live stream allows you to observe maritime traffic and weather conditions in the harbor area.

Port of Santos: Latin America's Largest Maritime Gateway

The Port of Santos is the largest port in Latin America by total cargo throughput: in 2022, it handled 162.4 million tons of cargo, a record figure that exceeded the previous 2021 record by 10.5%. As of 2024, the port ranks second in container port throughput in the region with a volume of 5,484,829 TEU, surpassing Mexico's Manzanillo by more than 1.5 million TEU. Located in the state of São Paulo, the port serves as Brazil's main maritime gateway, handling exports of soybeans, coffee, sugar, and petroleum products.

Port Infrastructure: Terminals, Berths, and Harbor Area

The port infrastructure of Santos includes 58 terminals and 62 berths, capable of handling dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, general, container, and project cargo. The harbor area encompasses Santos Bay and the mouth of the Cubatão River, creating an extensive water area for vessel maneuvering. Terminals specialize in different cargo types: container capacity is concentrated in the Aleixo Correia area, while bulk cargo is handled at the berths on Urubuqueçaba Island.

Access Channel: Navigation, Depths, and Pilotage

The entrance channel of the Port of Santos runs between Urubuqueçaba Island and the mainland shore, providing access to the terminals. Under a 25-year concession, the channel depth has been increased to 17 meters, allowing the port to accommodate large-tonnage vessels. Pilotage is mandatory for all vessels, except government, fishing, port service vessels, and vessels under 28 meters in length. A pilot request must be submitted at least 2 hours before approaching the port on VHF channel 12. Vessel monitoring in the anchorage area is carried out via the AIS system.

Santos — Guarujá Ferry Crossing: Transport Connection

Connection between Santos and the city of Guarujá on the opposite shore of the bay is provided by a ferry crossing. The ferry ride is free of charge in the direction of Guarujá, while the return crossing to Santos costs about 4 reais. An alternative land route runs via the Banting — Santos highway, where a bus from Guarujá costs from R$ 5, and a car ferry — from R$ 16, with a travel time of about 22 minutes.

Maritime Traffic: Vessel Types and Cargo Flows

The harbor area of the Port of Santos accommodates various vessel types: container ships with capacity up to 14,000 TEU, bulk carriers for soybeans and grain, tankers with petroleum products and chemical cargo, as well as cruise liners during the tourist season. Cargo flow is primarily driven by export operations — Brazil supplies iron ore, soybeans, coffee, sugar, and meat to the global market. The entrance channel operates around the clock, ensuring continuous vessel traffic.

Underwater Rocks and Navigation Features

Navigation in the channel of the Port of Santos is complicated by underwater obstacles. Along the access channel lies the Pedra de Teffé underwater rock at a depth of 9.4 meters between warehouses 25 and 26, marked by a light buoy. Navigation in the port area is characterized by moderate depths and a small tidal range, which simplifies pilotage. The port is located in NAVAREA V.

What the Camera Shows

The online webcam is installed on the shore of Santos and faces the entrance channel of the port. In the foreground is the coastal area with buildings, an outdoor pool, street lighting, and parked vehicles. The water area of the bay with several small vessels. In the background are hills and a mountain range covered with dense vegetation. Port infrastructure is visible, along with the shoreline featuring stone embankments and coastal structures. In the distance on the water, wakes from moving vessels can be seen.