131-Year-Old Shipwreck Blocks Arrival of Larger Vessels and Hinders Port Complex Expansion in Southern Brazil

Buried in the riverbed between Itajaí and Navegantes on the northern coast of Santa Catarina lies a forgotten relic of Brazilian history: the wreck of the Pallas, a steamship made of iron and wood that sank 131 years ago during the Revolta Armada (Naval Revolt). Although significant from a historical standpoint, the wreck now impedes the expansion of one of Brazil’s largest container port complexes.

The Santa Catarina Port Complex—comprising the public Port of Itajaí and seven private terminals, including the Port of Navegantes—handled 14.17 million tons in 2024, representing 13.03% of the national market and ranking just behind Santos (SP) and Paranaguá (PR).

With the federal government’s announcement of a R$689 million investment package in May, including the removal of the Pallas, the Federation of Industries of Santa Catarina (Fiesc) sees potential for the port to become even more prominent. The wreck is expected to be removed by January 2026.

The port accommodates vessels up to 350 meters and aims to receive ships up to 400 meters. Itajaí handles an average of 900 ships annually and expects a 35% increase post-upgrade. Navegantes plans to expand its throughput capacity from 1.5 million to 2 million TEUs.

A Shipwreck Amid Political Turmoil

Built-in 1891 and incorporated into Brazil the same year, the Pallas was a modern English-made vessel transporting goods and passengers between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. It likely stopped in Itajaí for resupply when it sank on October 25, 1893, during the Revolta Armada. According to Jules Soto, founder of the Oceanographic Museum at Univali, the captain allegedly refused to cooperate with naval rebels attempting to overthrow President Floriano Peixoto and deliberately beached the ship.

Long shrouded in mud and mystery, the wreck was only confirmed in 2017 after a modern vessel collided with its hull during dredging operations. Divers discovered it broken in half and located in an area with strong currents, heavy traffic, and near-zero visibility.

Removal Plan Underway

After years of delays, removal is finally imminent. In May 2025, Itajaí’s new port administration—now managed by the Port of Santos—presented a dismantling plan. The removal, deemed “urgent,” begins in June with site studies costing R$390,000. The full project is expected to cost R$23 million.

Due to the muddy conditions and the wreck’s unknown weight, parts of the ship will need to be cut and removed piece by piece. The vessel is federal property, and its removal awaits approval from the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), which has requested an archaeological salvage study.

Beyond the Pallas

While removing the Pallas is critical, it’s not the only hurdle to modernization. The current river depth of 14 meters — the result of routine dredging — is insufficient for next-generation container ships. Port authorities are pushing for an increase to 16 meters.

Other issues include outdated infrastructure, like burned-out generators, and delays from a one-year closure of the Itajaí terminal. The federal package includes upgrades to the electrical grid, new equipment, a R$64 million rework of the Navegantes breakwater (due 2028), and R$300 million for a cruise ship pier by 2030.

“Modernization for larger vessels requires adjusting the turning basin and deepening the channel — it all depends on the ship’s specs,” said Egídio Martorano, Executive Manager of Logistics and Sustainability at Fiesc.

Source: G1

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