Posted on June 29, 2026
The change was approved this Wednesday (24) and allows operations with a draft of 9.1 meters at any tide and up to 9.5 meters at high tide, respecting the minimum safety clearance of 0.70 meters below the keel.
The Port of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo, had its Maximum Operational Draft expanded this Wednesday (24). The approval, coordinated by the Port Authority with the Maritime Authority, increases the capacity of the vessels served.
The limit increased from 8.7 meters to 9.1 meters in any tide condition. During high tide, the draft can reach 9.5 meters, provided a minimum safety clearance of 0.70 meters below the keel is maintained.
Port gains efficiency in operations
The change allows ships to carry larger volumes on each trip. As a result, operations can reduce logistical costs per unit of cargo and increase productivity in a sector sensitive to operational variations.
The expansion strengthens the Port’s growth strategy by offering conditions for larger scale movements. The administration seeks to attract cargo and increase competitiveness.
Deep channel reduces dredging
The Port of São Sebastião has a deep access channel protected by the coastal formation. This feature reduces the need for maintenance dredging and can lower operational expenses.
The structural advantage gains importance in the face of the competition for logistical efficiency. Operations with larger cargoes depend on regularity, safety, and draft capacity to use vessels with higher volumes.
The president of the São Sebastião Dock Company, Ernesto Sampaio, stated that the increase represents more cargo per trip, logistical efficiency, and competitiveness. For him, the approval is an important step in the search for new cargoes.
