Posted on July 6, 2026
By Carla Teles
The Port of Santos received environmental authorization to begin a decisive stage in the navigation channel: the removal of three rock formations that have been limiting the progress of conventional dredging. The license was granted by Ibama to APS, Santos Port Authority, and the intervention is scheduled to occur between July and October, in the Santos estuary.
The information comes from Agência iNFRA, in a publication dated 06/16/2026, at 7:02 PM. According to the investigation, the work targets three specific points in the channel, Pedra do Barroso, Pedra do Itapema, and Pedra do Teffé, and is part of the preparation for deepening the route used by vessels in Brazil’s largest port.
Three rock formations were in the way of dredging
The project draws attention because it does not only involve the removal of sediments from the channel’s bottom. Before proceeding with conventional dredging, it will be necessary to remove rock sections that hinder the deepening of navigation in the Port of Santos. These rocks acted as physical obstacles at strategic points in the estuary.
The formations are located in areas known as Pedra do Barroso, Pedra do Itapema, and Pedra do Teffé. Their removal is considered a preparatory stage because it creates space for the channel to be deepened more safely and efficiently in later phases.
Removal will be done without explosives at the Port of Santos
The technique chosen for the service is called cold breaking. In practice, the method involves the mechanical fragmentation of rocks without the use of explosives, followed by the removal of the material by dredging equipment. The choice reduces operational impact and avoids a more aggressive intervention in the channel.
