Dredging of Channels Silted Up by the 2024 Flood Begins in Brazilian South

The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, participated this Tuesday (March 18) in an event marking the start of dredging operations on the Furadinho, Pedras Brancas, Leitão, and São Gonçalo channels, which were silted up due to the floods in May 2024. The event took place at the Porto de Porto Alegre. It featured the participation of the secretaries of Logistics and Transport, Juvir Costella, and Economic Development, Ernani Polo, and the president of Portos RS, Cristiano Klinger.

This project, which will restore the operational draft, is considered a strategic advance for the inland waterway infrastructure of Rio Grande do Sul. It will strengthen freight transportation via this mode. The restoration of the navigation channels will also enhance vessel traffic safety and continue contributing to the sustainable economic development of the Metropolitan Region and the capital’s port complex.

Governor Eduardo Leite mentioned the state’s investments in dredging activities and the procurement of machinery for the municipalities. “The government is investing one billion reais in dredging and de-silting, actions aimed at ensuring navigation and improving water flow. This is a very significant and strategic investment for Rio Grande do Sul,” he said.

The funds for these actions come from the Fundo do Plano Rio Grande, which allocated R$691 million for dredging and R$40 million for infrastructure and safety and control equipment. The five vessels to be used belong to Ster Engenharia, the company that won the tender held by the Port Authority. The company has already been working on the de-silting of the Itapuã Channel.

Portos RS’s president highlighted the importance of dredging and detailed the work schedule. “This project is expected to be completed in 150 days. Five pieces of equipment will operate simultaneously. This gives us a perspective on reducing the delivery deadline.”

Klinger also reported that the Port Authority received bathymetric survey data for eight other channels that comprise the inland waterway infrastructure last week. “The team is now working on the Terms of Reference for another tender. This action will benefit the logistics of those using Porto de Porto Alegre,” he concluded.

Costella emphasized the agility of the state government in executing a project of such importance for Rio Grande do Sul. “We will be able to achieve just over six meters of depth, allowing the inland waterway to return to normal. This will contribute to the state’s resumption of growth and development,” he said.

It is estimated that 1.65 billion cubic meters of sediments will be removed from the dredged channels.

Text: Ascom Portos RS

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