Port Authority requests engineering studies to move forward with Santos-Guarujá tunnel

The engineering design studies of the Santos-Guarujá underwater tunnel, which have already obtained all the necessary environmental licenses, were conducted by DERSA in 2012 and have now been officially requested by the Port Authority of Santos (APS) to Rafael Benini, the state secretary of Investment Partnerships.

The request, signed by APS president Anderson Pomini, aims to ensure the project will adhere to its schedule, with construction set to begin in 2024. “In addition to infrastructure projects such as channel dredging and perimeter roads, one of the primary objectives of the current management of the Port Authority of Santos is to establish a viable dry connection between the municipalities of Santos and Guarujá through the implementation of an underwater tunnel,” stated the president.

Pomini emphasized that this project will have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people, stating, “It will bring economic, social, environmental, and logistical benefits to the entire port community, affecting the nine municipalities in the Santos region, as outlined in the attached report and study. Therefore, the implementation of this tunnel is of vital importance to Brazil,” as stated in the document.

The request recalls that over 60 representatives from various institutions, public authorities, and public administrators, especially from the Municipalities of Santos and Guarujá, have decided to move forward with the project, which has already undergone studies and public hearings, and was previously prepared by the public company DERSA.

The request specifies that the existing technical documentation includes drawings, project descriptions, and budget estimates, both at the primary and executive level, in their most recent version. Additionally, it includes the respective technical responsibility notes in digital format (either physical or accessible through a link), along with the duly renewed environmental licenses, “following the precedent set by the duplication of the Tamoios Highway (Prior Environmental License No. 22385 – SMA process No. 98/2011 CETESB).”

APS’ document concludes by inviting the State Government to participate in all stages of the infrastructure project, stating, “This project is of great importance to the Port of Santos, the São Paulo state coast, and the country as a whole.”

The Santos Port Authority anticipates a positive response and hopes for a prompt reply. The president recalled that Secretary Rafael Benini had declared during a public hearing held by the Chamber of Deputies’ Road and Transport Commission on June 13 that the project would be made available upon request. “It is a top priority for the Lula Government and the Minister of Ports and Airports, Márcio França, to see this long-awaited project finally come to fruition. And for that, we rely on the support of the State Government, which has already expressed its willingness to assist.”

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