A major fire destroyed a mobile harbor crane (MHC) at the Port of Itajaí on the night of April 25, 2026. The Port Authority confirmed the incident resulted in no injuries or fatalities. The blaze started at approximately 9:30 PM at the JBS Terminais facility while the crane was idle for maintenance. Flames quickly engulfed the operator's cabin and the engine compartment, fueled by roughly 12,000 liters of diesel and hydraulic oil.
The Itajaí Fire Department and port safety teams mobilized rapidly. According to local outlet Diarinho, a nearby bulldozer operator helped the crane operator escape the burning structure moments before the fire intensified. To protect the bulk carrier Longevity Diva berthed nearby, the firefighting tug Saam Antares provided water support from the river. Emergency crews used more than 30,000 liters of water to stabilize the area.
A Port Authority spokesperson said: “Our safety protocols were activated instantly. The rapid coordination between terminal staff and the fire department prevented a significant equipment failure from becoming a human tragedy.” The destroyed crane was a high-value asset recently added during a $42 million terminal modernization. While the loss reduces immediate loading capacity, JBS Terminais said port logistics remain fluid.
An administrative commission established by the Port Authority is investigating whether an electrical short or mechanical failure caused the fire. To preserve operational flow, cargo is being rerouted to other active berths within the complex, and the terminal operator plans to audit its remaining mobile fleet to verify all safety systems meet current maritime standards. The incident underscores the constant operational risks in heavy maritime logistics.
Key Takeaways:
1. A major fire destroyed a mobile harbor crane at JBS Terminais inside the Port of Itajaí on the night of April 25, 2026.
2. There were no injuries or fatalities; the crane operator escaped seconds before the flames intensified.
3. Roughly 12,000 liters of diesel and hydraulic oil fueled the blaze; emergency crews used over 30,000 liters of water to extinguish it.
4. The destroyed crane was a high-value asset recently added during a $42 million terminal modernization; cargo has been rerouted to other berths.
5. An administrative commission is investigating whether the cause was an electrical short or a mechanical failure.
