Port of Imbituba modernizes Berth 3 in the largest project in its history

Berth 3 of the Port of Imbituba is undergoing the largest structural intervention since its construction in 1979. With an investment of approximately R$95 million, the project aims to recover, reinforce, and expand the port structure, with completion expected in 2027. The modernization will allow the port to receive larger ships and increase the cargo-handling capacity of the port complex, which currently accounts for around 30% of the Port’s operations.

The initiative is being conducted by SCPAR Porto de Imbituba, with implementation by CEJEN Engenharia and management by ESTEL Engenharia, hired through a bidding process. The project includes not only the reinforcement of the current structure, but also the extension of the berth length, which will increase from 245 to 271 meters. With the new configuration, the Port will be able to receive vessels up to 270 meters long, compared with the current limit of around 200 meters. The structure will also include new operational equipment and improvements to the paving, drainage, and containment systems, raising the technical and operational standards of the port complex.

Divided into four phases
The project was divided into four main stages, including the installation of containment columns and the construction of dolphins, structures that assist in berthing and mooring ships. The intervention also includes soil reinforcement and slab strengthening, concrete paving of the rear area, and the installation of modern fender systems for vessel safety.

In the final phase of the project, it will be necessary to temporarily interrupt activities at Berth 3 for up to five months, a period currently under review for possible reduction. During this stage, work will focus on the central section of the berth to prevent simultaneous berthing.

Environmental commitment
The modernization of Berth 3 is being carried out with special attention to environmental issues. The Port maintains a series of monitoring programs that remain active throughout the project. These include monitoring ocean and groundwater quality, aquatic biota, sediments, underwater and air noise, and construction waste management.

One of the main highlights is the monitoring of the presence of southern right whales, a symbolic species of the region. The Port of Imbituba has been monitoring whales for 17 years, with land and aerial observations throughout the entire migratory season, from July to November. The whales use the Santa Catarina coast as a nursery, and the region is home to the Southern Right Whale Environmental Protection Area.

During the project’s execution, additional measures are being implemented to protect the species. Control zones with different alert levels are defined. If a whale is sighted in areas near the construction site during the use of vibratory hammers or pile drivers, activities are suspended or alerted, depending on the proximity of the animal.

“This project symbolizes the commitment of the State Government to the infrastructure and logistical competitiveness of Santa Catarina. The expansion of Berth 3 is strategic to attract new investments, generate jobs and strengthen the role of the Port of Imbituba as a driver of regional and national development, without giving up sustainability,” highlights the Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways, Beto Martins.

More competitive port
The modernization of Berth 3 represents a strategic step to strengthen the Port of Imbituba as one of the main logistics ports in Southern Brazil. In addition to meeting the sector’s growing demands, the project reinforces the commitment of the port administration to sustainability, technological innovation and regional development.

The project is being carried out entirely within the Port area, with no impact outside its polygon. The expectation is that, once completed, the port complex will significantly expand its service capacity, both in volume and in types of cargo, attracting new business to the region.

“We are carrying out the largest project in the history of the Port of Imbituba, focused on the future of port logistics in Santa Catarina. The modernization of Berth 3 will raise the technical standard of the port complex, increasing its handling capacity and enabling the reception of larger and more modern vessels. All this with environmental responsibility and full alignment with the best practices of port engineering,” says Christiano Lopes, CEO of SCPAR Porto de Imbituba.

Source: Governo de SC

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