Itajaí access channel concession to enable removal of century-old shipwreck

The planned concession of the Port of Itajaí’s access channel is expected to inaugurate a new stage in the history of the modernization of the Santa Catarina port complex and make possible an intervention long awaited by the sector: the removal of the wreckage of the Pallas, a vessel that sank at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu River in 1893.

The project, structured by Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports and submitted to the National Waterway Transportation Agency, Antaq, provides for R$350 million in investments over 25 years. The auction is expected to take place in the second half of this year.

The concession is part of the federal government’s strategy to restore the Port of Itajaí’s role among Brazil’s main logistics hubs. In addition to ensuring scheduled dredging and greater operational predictability, the project would deepen the channel’s draft to up to 16 meters, allowing vessels of up to 400 meters in length — among the largest cargo ships in operation — to call at the port.

“The federal government is paying special attention to the Port of Itajaí because it found the port practically closed, with an impact on the economy of Santa Catarina and the country. The channel concession is another step toward making the terminal more efficient,” said Ports and Airports Minister Tomé Franca.

National Ports Secretary Alex Ávila said the concession would give port operations more predictability through scheduled dredging and make it possible to deepen the draft to 16 meters, allowing 400-meter vessels to enter the port.

Beyond dredging and channel improvements, the contract also provides for the removal of obstacles in the access channel, including the remains of the Pallas and old groyne structures. It also includes the deployment of a Vessel Traffic Service to improve navigational safety.

The removal of the Pallas is considered one of the most important steps for the expansion of the Port of Itajaí. Clearing the wreck would allow the port to expand its turning basin and prepare for New Panamax vessels, improving efficiency and strengthening the complex’s competitiveness.

In late May, the Port of Itajaí Superintendence, the University of Vale do Itajaí and the federal port authority signed an agreement to carry out the technical studies needed to remove the vessel.

Port Superintendent Artur Antunes Pereira said the initiative is part of a broader agenda of strategic projects launched after operations resumed under federal management.

“It is a decisive step toward upgrading the channel, improving navigational safety and creating the conditions to receive larger vessels,” he said.

Located near the BR-101 and BR-470 highways, the Itajaí complex serves exporters and importers from 21 Brazilian states and the Federal District and is one of the country’s main corridors for higher-value cargo.

After closing 2025 with 4.76 million tonnes handled, the Port of Itajaí maintained its growth pace in 2026. In the first four months of the year, throughput reached 1.67 million tonnes, up nearly 40% from the same period in 2025. In April alone, cargo movement totaled 430,300 tonnes, a 57% increase.

A historic recovery

The Pallas sank in 1893 at the entrance to the Itajaí-Açu River and remained submerged for more than a century. It was rediscovered in 2017 during dredging and port expansion works.

Although the wreck does not affect current operations, its hull prevents the expansion of the turning basin and limits access for larger vessels.

Removing the wreckage would allow the future adaptation of Turning Basin No. 2, which would reach 530 meters in diameter. The expansion would make vessel maneuvers safer and increase the productivity and competitiveness of the Itajaí port complex.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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