Port of Santos undergoes environmental inspection

The Port of Santos is undergoing a major environmental inspection action this week. It is the “Operation Disposal” inspection coordinated by IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), with the participation of the Santos Port Authority (SPA) and other institutions. The objective is to curb the illegal dumping of residues and substances at sea by cargo ships.

SPA’s Environmental division and the Port Guard have been participating in inspection actions as intervening authorities, in addition to assisting in planning operations by identifying potential targets. The Brazilian Navy, the Federal Revenue Service, Federal Police, Environmental Police, National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), and National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) are also helping in the Operation.

The action includes speedboats and even an aircraft to carry out surveys at sea and on boats. The Poseidon, a plane from IBAMA, flew over the Porto estuary and mooring areas to ascertain possible signs of waste being thrown into the water. The action was confidential to ensure the identification of suspected irregular disposers.

“The ‘Operation Disposal’ inspection demonstrates the unity and joint effort of the authorities working in the Port of Santos to combat environmental irregularities committed by ships and support service providers. In this sense, it is important that agencies and shipowners always hire services from companies accredited with SPA and duly qualified by the control bodies”, explains SPA’s Infrastructure Director, Afrânio Moreira.

This is the second time that the “Operation Disposal” inspection takes place as a coordinated action of broad inspection. On the first occasion, in July 2019, 15 vessels were inspected in the Port of Santos.

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