Port of Santos Dredging: Port Authority Lays Groundwork for Rock Removal

The Santos Port Authority (APS) issued a tender notice on Monday (10/07) in the Brazilian Government’s Official Gazette for selecting a company to perform rock removal in the Port of Santos channel. This operation is the first step in deepening the navigation channel to 16 meters, which is essential for accommodating larger vessels at the port complex.

APS president Anderson Pomini supports the deepening activities: “We are taking the first step to meet a long-standing demand of both domestic and international markets, which is to increase the depth of the Port of Santos. By removing the rocks, we are paving the way to reach a 16-meter draft and, subsequently, 17 meters—a depth that will provide ultimate assurance to receive the world’s largest vessels, day or night.”

The Port Authority will hire a company to manage everything from the blueprint to removing the rocks from the channel bed. According to a study received by APS, there are 31 locations within the waterborne infrastructure of the Port of Santos (navigation channel, access areas, and berths) where rocks hinder deepening.

As per the contract terms, the selected company will have 18 months to mechanically remove the rocks, estimated at around 10,000 cubic meters. The rock removal should bring the depth of the estuary’s points to 16.5 meters. The methods and equipment to be used are yet to be determined in the baseline and executive studies prepared by the contractor.

The bidding documents, including conditions for participation and project details, are now available for interested companies at https://www.licitacoes-e.com.br/aop/index.jsp or directly at the APS headquarters. Bid submissions and an open tender are scheduled for October 29.

The rock removal, conducted before the deepening works, already bears environmental approval. APS aims to deepen the entire navigation channel of the Organized Port to 16 meters by 2026.

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