On Tuesday (22), the Port of São Sebastião began maintenance dredging at Berth 101, one of the most critical projects for ensuring the continuity and efficiency of port operations. The work will remove 57,000 cubic meters of sediment accumulated in the maneuvering basin and the berth itself, restoring the minimum operational depth of 10 meters.
The dredging is being carried out by Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), with authorization from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), and complies with all current environmental regulations. The port is overseen by the São Paulo State Secretariat for the Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (Semil).
According to CDSS President Ernesto Sampaio, the project’s start marks a strategic milestone. “This dredging operation enhances both the safety and predictability of port activities, keeping the port fully prepared to meet demand efficiently and with environmental responsibility,” he said.
The sediment removed will be deposited in the Containment Dike, an internal area of the port designated exclusively for the storage of this type of material. This is a sustainable solution, as the site only receives high-quality, uncontaminated sediment, which can be reused beneficially.
Another key feature of the project is the continuous monitoring of marine wildlife. Throughout the dredging process, a trained professional, supported by drones, monitors the area for whales and sea turtles. If any animal is detected nearby, work is immediately paused until the area is confirmed to be clear.
The Port of São Sebastião features one of the deepest shipping channels in the country, reaching depths of up to 42 meters, and plays a strategic role in moving cargo from Brazil’s northern coast. Maintenance dredging is necessary due to natural silting caused by rain, winds, ocean currents, and vessel traffic.
Source: Agência SP
