TESC was established in 1996, when it won the bidding process tendered by the Santa Catarina State Government which was in search of investments for port activities. Thus, TESC became the lessee of an area in the São Francisco do Sul Port.

The founding of the company coincided with the State’s favorable economic climate, with the industrial growth level requiring new possibilities for the production flow.

Initially, R$ 30 million was invested in building a docking pier as well as a container yard, among other important works.

The year 2000 was marked by the increase in Terminal capacity, enabling it to better identify with market. Three years later, the Terminal received the Federal Revenue Service customs agency, which is maintained inside the company on a permanent basis.

In 2005, after some alterations to its shareholder structure, the company name was changed to TESC – Terminal Santa Catarina S.A., the name by which it is recognized in the market and which marked the terminal’s modernization process.

During this time, a full port safety plan was implemented, with significant investments in equipment and labor capacity. After endorsement by the competent organs, TESC was granted the ISPS Code, enabling the Terminal to operate in international maritime traffic.