Port of São Sebastião Begins Dredging to Increase Depth on the Coast of São Paulo

Dredging at the Port of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo, is set to begin this month. Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), which manages the complex, obtained final authorization for the service from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama).

According to the State Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics of 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 sediment will be removed to restore the operational capacity of the berth and turning basin, thereby increasing the operational draft of vessels and enabling larger cargo volumes to be handled at the site. The last dredging was carried out in 2022.

The operation will use a hopper dredger, with an estimated duration of five months, including 45 days for the effective removal of materials. Salt Engenharia will conduct environmental monitoring under a contract worth R$ 1.38 million.

The access channel to the Port of São Sebastião has one of the deepest drafts in Brazil, reaching 25 meters, which attracts large vessels and enables the handling of higher cargo volumes.

However, the depth at the berth area is shallower due to its proximity to the coast, currently measuring 8.70 meters. The service aims to restore the minimum depth to ten meters.

Strategy and Competitiveness
Due to its coastal location, the berth area at the Port of São Sebastião experiences natural silting caused by rain, wind, and sea currents, requiring periodic intervention to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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

Source: A Tribuna

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