Brazil’s Federal Audit Court (TCU) on Tuesday (19) approved the concession of the waterway access channel to the Port of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina state. The project provides for a 25-year contract, with the possibility of extension for up to 70 years, and estimated investments of around R$300 million. The project is seen as strategic after a series of interruptions in dredging works on the access channel to the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes. In April, the region’s operating depth fell by about 30 centimeters after nearly two months without dredging services, according to an update from the Port Captaincy. With the concession, the channel’s depth, currently at 13.5 meters, is expected to be increased to up to 16 meters, allowing larger vessels to enter and boosting the competitiveness of the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes.
Source: CNN Infra/Datamar News