Posted on September 9, 2026
Over the past nine months, Jan De Nul has deepened the access channel to the local port of Itapoá and reused the dredged sand to create nine kilometres of beaches and five kilometres of dunes with native vegetation. “This project has made Itapoá famous throughout Brazil,” says Mayor Jefinho Garcia.
Circular use of dredged sand
Jan De Nul’s dredging vessel Galileo Galilei has deepened the access channel from -14 metres to -16 metres, making the port accessible for larger vessels. These works enhance the region’s logistical capacity and support further economic development.
Jan De Nul reused the dredged sand to protect the coast of Itapoá against the rising sea level and increasingly powerful storms. Their dredging vessel Galileo Galilei pumped seven million cubic metres of sand onto the beaches, where Jan De Nul’s teams carefully redistributed it to create the new coastline. The result: nine kilometres of new beach, ranging between 40 and 150 metres wide, and five kilometres of dunes.
300,000 native plants
Together with Acquaplan, a local expert in restoring ecosystems, Jan De Nul is introducing 300,000 native plants on to these dunes to help hold the sand in place and enhance biodiversity. Acquaplan collected samples of eight native plant species along the coast and propagated them in large quantities at a greenhouse near Itapoá.
Jefinho Garcia, Mayor of Itapoá: “This project represents a true rebirth for our city. For many years, our beach suffered from erosion and the continuous loss of sand, as the sea advanced.The positive impact of the works was almost immediate. During the summer season, Itapoá attracted significantly more visitors, while local businesses, building plots and real estate all increased in value. This project has made Itapoá famous throughout Brazil.”
