Autoridade Portuária de Santos

The Autoridade Portuária de Santos (APS) is the public entity responsible for the administration, regulation and promotion of the Port of Santos in Brazil. It oversees the operation of the port’s terminals, berths and logistics infrastructure, ensuring that vessels can dock, load and unload cargo safely and efficiently. The authority coordinates with shipping lines, terminal operators and customs officials to facilitate the flow of imports and exports through the port. It also manages the maintenance of navigational channels, port safety systems and environmental controls within the port area. By providing services such as pilotage, towage and berth allocation, APS supports maritime trade that connects Brazil with global markets. Its mandate includes promoting the competitiveness of the port and encouraging investment in port‑related facilities.

As a federal agency linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, APS operates under a regulatory framework that grants it authority to set port tariffs, issue operating licences and enforce compliance with national and international maritime standards. The organisation is recognised for its role in integrating port operations with hinterland logistics, including rail and road connections that serve the industrial base of São Paulo state. Its notable competencies include strategic planning for port expansion, implementation of technology‑driven traffic management systems and coordination of emergency response procedures. In April 2024 the authority’s website was temporarily taken offline by a cyberattack claimed by the hacker group Team R70, which identified an individual named Azael as responsible; APS reported that its security team investigated the incident and found no evidence of data loss. The incident highlighted the increasing cyber‑risk faced by critical infrastructure entities and prompted the authority to reinforce its cyber‑defence measures. While specific ownership details are not disclosed in the source material, APS remains a publicly funded body accountable to the federal government.