Port of Itajaí to restore damaged breakwater at Atalaia

After stabilizing operations and reaching record revenue levels, the Port of Itajaí is moving ahead with infrastructure projects that were stalled during the 2022-2024 crisis. The next project in line is the restoration of the southern breakwater head, which has shown signs of subsidence since 2012 and suffered pavement failure in 2023, leaving a large crater at the site.

The basic engineering design was completed in December 2025. This year, the project advanced to the contracting stage, with reconstruction work estimated at R$3.1 million. Publication of the tender notice is awaiting approval from the Bahia State Dock Company, or Codeba, which currently manages the Port of Itajaí. The construction contract is expected to run for four months.

The project involves rebuilding about 100 meters of the southern breakwater head. The structure will be restored and reinforced with rock armor and tetrapods, the large concrete blocks often known locally as “chicken feet.” Each tetrapod will weigh an average of 7.5 tonnes. After the structural work is completed, the section will be repaved.

According to the technical design, the restoration will reuse concrete blocks already at the site, as well as rocks currently placed on the northern breakwater. The tetrapods will be interlocked to create a stable and durable system designed to dissipate wave energy and prevent erosion. The materials are expected to cover more than 4,000 cubic meters.

The goal is to prevent further deterioration of the southern breakwater head and restore its function as a barrier against wave action. The last major works on the structure were carried out between 2000 and 2006, when it was reinforced and raised, and more than 2,000 tetrapods were installed. The technical study found that the protective barriers have generally performed well over the years and remain safe, although repairs to the breakwater head are now needed.

The project has gained additional importance amid forecasts of a “super El Niño” in the second half of the year, which could increase the risk of storm surges and extreme weather events. In response, city councilor Anna Carolina of Republicanos requested information last month on the current condition of the southern breakwater and planned maintenance works to avoid impacts on the port complex.

She said the southern breakwater protects not only port infrastructure but also Itajaí’s economy, recalling that in 2023 the port said it lacked the resources for the work and did not consider the project urgent.

“We need transparency, planning and concrete action to protect jobs, businesses and the main economic activity of our city,” she said.

This year, the project became a priority after Codeba took over management of the port. Draft tender and contract documents have already been prepared by technical teams and are awaiting approval for the bidding process. The matter is expected to be discussed at the next executive board meeting.

Funding is no longer seen as an obstacle. Since operations resumed under federal management, the port has generated more than R$227 million in revenue.

Source: Diarinho.net

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