Posted on June 22, 2026
The Port Authority of Santos has authorized the deepening dredging of the navigation channel of the Port of Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, to increase the depth from 15 to 16 meters.
The service order is scheduled to be signed this Wednesday (17), as part of a contract worth R$ 617.9 million signed with Jan de Nul do Brasil, the company responsible for executing the services.
The contract is valid for five years and includes the deepening dredging of the channel, as well as the maintenance of the new draft for two years.
According to APS, the channel has remained at a depth of 15 meters for 14 years, a condition that limits some operations involving larger vessels.
With the work, the port authority states that the Port of Santos will be able to increase the capacity of waterway access and reduce dependence on tidal windows for certain maneuvers.
The change is also expected to allow the entry of larger ships with more cargo, according to an assessment released by the port administration.
Dredging involves the removal of sediments from the bottom of the navigation channel to increase the depth available to vessels.
In the case of Santos, the service was contracted to bring the channel to a level of 16 meters, which should increase the authorized operational draft in the port complex.
The president of APS, Anderson Pomini, stated in a video sent to the press that the port has taken “another important and decisive step towards the future, planned for 25 years ahead.”
