Environmental Agency Ibama Grants Installation License for Dredging Work in Babitonga Bay

The Brazilian Environment and Renewable Natural Resources Institute (Ibama) issued the Installation License (LI) necessary to widen and deepen the Babitonga Bay access channel. With the license granted, the port authority can now initiate the bidding process to hire the company responsible for the project, which is estimated at R$300 million.

The dredging project will increase the outer channel’s depth from 14 meters to a minimum of 16 meters, enabling the navigation of vessels up to 366 meters in length.

Cleverton Elias Vieira, President of the São Francisco do Sul Port, recognizes the project as a significant achievement for Santa Catarina. “The maritime fleet constantly evolves, with larger ships requiring greater depth. This project will position the Babitonga Bay Port Complex and our state on the route of larger vessels,” he said.

Sergni Rosa Júnior, Director of Operations, Technology, and Environment at Itapoá Port, highlighted the natural advantages of Babitonga Bay. “Our bay is blessed with calm waters and a naturally deep channel that requires minimal maintenance. This project will make our port complex even more competitive,” he added.

Innovative Funding Model

The funding model for this project is unprecedented in Brazil. Itapoá Port, a private terminal, will provide R$ 300 million, which will be reimbursed through discounts on vessel fees paid to the port authority.

Jorginho Mello, the current Governor of Santa Catarina (who is on temporary leave), signed a protocol of intentions in June to promote the project and emphasized the importance of the Installation License for the development of the state’s northern region. “This is a crucial step in further enhancing the potential of our ports. We are focused on advancing the necessary processes to deliver this major infrastructure project, both for the widening of Babitonga Bay and for the expansion of Itapoá beach,” Mello stated.

The governor also referenced another unprecedented aspect of the project: the use of dredged sediment to expand the beach area of Itapoá, which has faced coastal erosion issues in recent years. This will mark the first time material of such an origin will be used to restore a beach.

Sharing is caring!