IBAMA gives green light for the Babitonga Bay dredging project

The Brazilian Environment and Renewable Natural Resources Institute (IBAMA) has authorized dredging of the Babitonga Bay channel in Santa Catarina.

With the issue of the Installation License (LI) which is required for the deepening of the Babitonga Bay, the Port of São Francisco do Sul can now begin the bidding process for this R$300 million project (approx. $50 million).

With the dredging work to deepen and widen the external channel that provides access to the Ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, the depth will increase from the current 14 meters to 16 meters and will allow the navigation of vessels up to 366 meters in length.

For Cleverton Vieira, President of the Port of São Francisco do Sul, this project is a significant achievement for Santa Catarina. “The international maritime fleet is constantly updating, with ships becoming larger and requiring greater depth. With this project, we will place the Babitonga Bay Port Complex and our state on the route for larger vessels.”

The tender notice for the dredging project is expected to be published by the end of this year, with work scheduled to begin in early 2025.