On August 27, 2025, a container ship named the Vincente Pinzon broke free from its moorings at the Port of Itajaí, Brazil’s second-largest port. The ship was caught by a strong river current and drifted down the channel before being secured by tugboats and the port’s emergency team.
Incident Summary
The Vincente Pinzon, a 57,881 dwt containership, snapped its mooring lines at the bow and then the stern, causing it to drift into the Itajaí-Açu river. The emergency response, including tugboats, was dispatched at approximately 6:50 AM. The team was able to quickly secure the 254-meter vessel, turn it around, and guide it back to its berth. There were no reported injuries or significant damage from the incident.
Previous Incidents and Port Concerns
This was the second such incident in recent months at the Port of Itajaí. In December 2024, another containership also broke free, coming dangerously close to the local ferry terminal. These events have raised concerns about the safety of the port, which serves as a major hub for southern Brazil’s industrial region.
Future Port Modernization
The Port of Itajaí is scheduled for modernization and expansion as part of a national program. The plans, set for concession auctions in the first quarter of 2026, include dredging the channel to a depth of 16 meters (52.5 feet) and upgrading the infrastructure to accommodate larger ships up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) in length.
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Source: Maritime Executive
