The new bidding model for public port access channels, inaugurated with the auction of the Port of Paranaguá (PR), will establish a continuous dredging and maintenance process for the channels — a key factor for the stability and safety of port operations and vessel access. The channel concession project for public ports, developed by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) in partnership with Infra SA, was designed as an alternative to improve port efficiency and ensure operational predictability.
Under the previous channel management model, the responsibility for dredging and other channel works rested with the public company that managed the port under the state government’s jurisdiction. With the new concession structure, all obligations are now defined in the bidding notice. The same proposal is expected to be adopted in future auctions for the access channels of the ports of Santos (SP), Itajaí (SC), Salvador (BA), and Rio Grande (RS).
“This is a pioneering model — one that doesn’t exist in Brazil or anywhere else in the world. The concessionaire will take over management of the channel, carry out the concession’s service package works, and guarantee investments totaling R$ 1.23 billion in the case of Paranaguá,” said Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho, emphasizing that these works will ensure the channel is always prepared to receive large vessels.
With the planned works, which will increase the draft from 13.5 to 15.5 meters, operations will become more predictable and safer, attracting a new class of container and bulk carriers. This will allow ship maneuvers to occur with greater safety margins, accommodating vessels up to 366 meters in length. Cargo capacity, in turn, will rise from 80,000 to 120,000 tonnes.
“The concession will allow Paranaguá to further establish itself as a strategic corridor for exports — serving both Mercosur trade and routes to Europe and Asia, thanks to its location in southern Brazil,” said National Ports Secretary Alex Ávila.
“Speed bump”
One of the planned works includes the removal of the Palangana rock, a large rocky formation in the middle of the channel that hinders ship navigation. The rock has functioned like a “speed bump,” delaying vessel movement depending on tide levels.
The project will be executed in phases and is expected to be completed within five years. Removing this obstacle will expand the turning basin, which is currently restricted to other sections of the channel. Last year, the rock underwent blasting works and was already reduced by 20%.
Sustainability
The new concession model follows the MPor’s Sustainability Policy, which promotes the adoption of sustainable and decarbonization practices. In addition to undergoing a rigorous environmental review process — including all required licenses and studies — the project will feature additional sustainability programs, such as monitoring ship emissions and implementing mitigation measures proposed by the concessionaire once operations begin.
The plan also includes continuous monitoring of water quality, sediments, and marine fauna, as well as compensation and restoration of impacted areas.
According to Portos do Paraná, all interventions will follow federal environmental licensing procedures and will be continuously monitored by the company and environmental agencies to ensure that infrastructure development proceeds responsibly.
Beyond maintenance dredging, rock removal, hydrographic surveys, navigation aids, and signaling improvements, the project will also introduce a VTMIS (Vessel Traffic Management and Information System) — enabling real-time monitoring of vessel movements. The system will enhance navigation safety and environmental protection while optimizing port operation efficiency. With VTMIS, ship maneuvering and berthing will become faster and more efficient.
Implementation Phases
According to Portos do Paraná, in the first two years of the concession contract, the concessionaire must carry out seabed mapping and hydrographic surveys, as well as environmental, engineering, and navigation studies. From the third year onward, based on these surveys, activities for channel widening, deepening, and rock removal will begin until the desired draft is reached.
At the same time, maintenance dredging will continue to ensure safe navigability, along with the implementation of new signaling systems.
