Santos-Guarujá Tunnel New Project Unveiled; Initial Works Scheduled for 2025

The Brazilian Federal Government, through its Ministry of Ports and Airports, has unveiled a new project for the Santos-Guarujá tunnel, now envisaged as an immersed (subterranean) structure. Additionally, the Union has decided that the tunnel will be tendered through a public-private partnership (PPP), excluding the participation of the State Government of São Paulo. The President of the Santos Port Authority (APS), Anderson Pomini, shared the news in an interview with local press agency A Tribuna, ensuring the project will take place according to schedule. The bidding process is set for the second half of this year, with construction commencing in 2025.

According to Pomini, the conceptual design of the immersed tunnel has been completed with minor adjustments compared to the previous project by the now-discontinued state company Desenvolvimento Rodoviário (Dersa S.A.). The course remains the same, with subtle modifications at both ends to accommodate the Navy’s Pier and an exit at Prainha, connecting to the Cônego Domênico Rangoni Highway and, subsequently, the Guarujá Airport. On the Santos side, a portion of land near the port headquarters will be expropriated.

Pomini confirmed that the Federal Government will spearhead the project without the São Paulo State Government’s involvement, promising there will be no delays in the established timeline for the tunnel’s construction. He stated, “The project moves forward because it is a priority for the Federal Government. It is included in the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) with 50% of the budget guaranteed. The Santos-Guarujá tunnel project will take off independently of the parties that may or may not support or participate.”

“The project’s execution is on schedule. This year, we will handle formalities. We have already hired a company to manage the legal and economic design and called Ibama (Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) to issue environmental licenses at the appropriate time. All studies will be submitted to the Federal Audit Court (TCU). The publication of the tender notice is scheduled for the second semester, with the contract signing at the end of this year or the beginning of the next,” explained the administrative president of the Port of Santos.

Three-staged project

Pomini outlined the tunnel project’s three phases, which include installing the construction site, dredging, and immersion of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel beneath the sea. He likened the technique to the one used to connect Denmark to Germany. The tunnel’s roof will be 21 meters below the waterline, considering that the current draft for vessels crossing Santos Bay is 15 meters and will soon reach 17 meters.

Public-private Partnership

The legal and economic frameworks for the public-private partnership (PPP) that will help fund the project will be developed by the Vanzolini Foundation. Pomini stated that the consultancy will present its work in February, with the contract going public between April and May. He emphasized that the consultancy will determine the most attractive project value for the market, defining the public resources’ share, the contract period allowing investors to recover their investment and make a profit, and the toll amount for trucks. A social tariff for light vehicles is also a requirement.

Pomini highlighted that the PPP format reduces bureaucratic processes, as it only demands a conceptual design. He clarified, “What is a conceptual design? It defines where the tunnel begins and ends, outlining premises such as a social tariff, no takeovers, and other requirements that are open with broad public participation. A PPP does not require a final project, only a conceptual one.”

Environmental License

Regarding the required environmental licenses, Pomini pointed out that a federal environmental agency needs to be greenlighted. “Over 70% of the project requires dredging, and as it is located within the port’s polygon area, (environmental licensing) falls under the jurisdiction of Ibama.”

State participation

Concerning the State Government’s involvement, Pomini clarified that “it was being negotiated by the Federal Government itself. Minister Silvio Costa Filho was particularly engaged in the matter because we wanted to involve all political stakeholders in this project right from the start. The participation of society as a whole, especially institutions, is very welcome.”

However, Pomini emphasized, “Our idea is for the State Government to focus on other infrastructure works, such as a third road connecting the state’s interior to the coast.”

Source: A Tribuna

Click here to view the original text: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/exclusivo-tunel-santos-guaruja-tem-novo-projeto-obras-comecam-em-2025-

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