Port of São Sebastião begins dredging to increase depth

The goal is to remove over 57,500 cubic meters of sediments (Disclosure/Semil)

The dredging of the Port of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo, is set to begin this month. Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), the entity responsible for managing the port complex, has obtained final authorization for the service from the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama).

According to the Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística do Estado de São Paulo (Semil), the company Dratec Engenharia was awarded the contract.

The investment totals R\$ 6.3 million, and 57,571.99 cubic meters of sediments will be removed to restore the operational capacity of the berth and maneuvering basin. This will increase the operational draft for vessels, allowing for the transport of larger cargo volumes at the site. The last dredging operation was carried out in 2022.

The operation will use a hopper dredger, with an estimated timeline of five months, including 45 days dedicated to the actual removal of materials. Environmental monitoring is being conducted by the company Salt Engenharia, under a contract valued at R\$ 1.38 million.

The access channel to the Port of São Sebastião has one of the deepest drafts in Brazil, reaching 25 meters. This makes it attractive for large vessels and enables the handling of higher cargo volumes. However, the depth in the berth area is shallower due to its proximity to the shore, currently reaching 8.70 meters. The dredging is expected to restore the minimum depth of ten meters.

Strategy and competitiveness Due to its proximity to the coast, the berth area of the Port of São Sebastião is affected by natural siltation caused by rain, wind, and ocean currents, requiring periodic interventions to ensure operational safety and efficiency.

“This dredging is strategic not only for the safe operation of the port but also to maintain the competitiveness and logistical efficiency of São Paulo. It is a project with a direct impact on regional development”, said Ernesto Sampaio, CEO of the Port of São Sebastião.