At Intermodal 2026, Wilson Sons presents new technological and operational solutions for Brazil’s port industry and the global logistics chain
RIO DE JANERIO: With an extensive experience of more than 188 years, Wilson Sons operates in the port and shipping logistics industry throughout Brazil and is considered a leading reference in this field. It offers comprehensive solutions to over 5,000 clients, including shipowners, importers and exporters, the offshore energy industry, renewable energy projects, the agribusiness sector, as well as other players across various economic segments. Engaged in the continuous pursuit of new technologies to support sustainable development in Brazil, it will participate in Intermodal South America from April 14th to 16th at exhibition stand E095, in Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo (SP), where it will present its diversified portfolio, promote information exchange, make new connections, and strengthen stakeholder relations.
Its businesses include two container terminals (in Bahia and in Rio Grande do Sul); more than 80 tugboats operating along the Brazilian coast; a shipyard in Guarujá (São Paulo), in the Santos port complex — the largest in Latin America; two offshore support bases in Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro); a bonded logistics centre in Santo André (São Paulo); and a shipping agency with representatives in Europe and an office in China.
According to Wilson Sons CEO Arnaldo Calbucci, the company invests in the modernization of its fleet and infrastructure, thereby improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of its operations. This benefits its stakeholders and strengthens its commitment to the development of the port industry and Brazil.
“Our presence at Intermodal, the industry’s leading event in Latin America, supports our long-term commitment to innovation and the development of the markets in which we operate. It is a strategic opportunity to present to clients and partners the new solutions we have developed to generate sustainable value, boost the Brazilian economy, and strengthen our presence on the international stage,” says Calbucci.
Container terminals
The two terminal facilities owned by Wilson Sons are capable of operating New Panamax ships. Rio Grande Container Terminal, based in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), is the most automated in the country, with infrastructure to operate as the Southern Cone’s port and shipping hub. High efficiency levels at Salvador Container Terminal enable the expansion of exports and imports for companies based in Bahia and in the Northeast, thereby connecting the region to the main global markets (USA, Europe, and Asia) and to the rest of the country via coastal shipping.
Building tugboats to attend New Panamax ships
In January this year, Wilson Sons launched the tugboat WS Halcyon. It is the first of a new series of three high-powered tugs. Built at the company’s shipyard in Guarujá, WS Halcyon is a class 2312 tug (23 metres long and 12 metres wide) with azimuth propulsion and 70 tons of bollard pull. It is capable of supporting New Panamax ships on docking and undocking manoeuvres in Brazil’s main ports. Two more 2312 class tugboats are being built at the Wilson Sons shipyard, with delivery scheduled for 2026.
Innovation, sustainability, and people management
Wilson Sons saw, early on, how technology could improve port operations while ensuring safety and propelling the maritime infrastructure. That was how the company incorporated technology as a strategic pillar to leverage the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of its operations. With consistent investments and high-impact partnerships, Wilson Sons has built a high-performance ecosystem that redefines the standards of the logistics industry.
The company is recognized as one of the most innovative companies in Brazil, according to a study conducted by PwC for Valor Econômico, which evaluated more than 270 companies based on strategy, governance, execution, results, and ESG practices. Additionally, it is one of the companies that most practices open innovation in the Transport and Logistics industry, according to the Top Open Corps 100 Open Startups ranking.
With approximately 3,900 employees, Wilson Sons reaffirms its commitment to human development and excellence in the organizational climate, integrating care for people into its forward-looking mindset, aiming for sustainable growth. The company has earned, for the third time, the Best Company to Work For certification awarded by the global consulting firm Great Place to Work (GPTW).
