The Port of Itajaí said that Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Utrecht arrived in the area on May 28. The dredger will be used to dredge the port’s access channel and restore optimal navigation conditions.
According to the Port, the TSHD arrived after authorities identified a reduction in the channel’s draft, a situation that has been causing maneuvering restrictions, logistical delays and higher operating costs. The reduction was confirmed through updated bathymetric surveys conducted by Hidrotop.
The Port of Itajaí Administration said that port operations continued normally during the monitoring period. The largest cargo vessel handled during this time operated with a draft of 12.8 meters, remaining within the safety limits established by technical teams, pilots, and maritime authorities.
Dredging work will be undertaken with continuous monitoring of the access channel, turning basins and berths.
The Port officials said that normal conditions will be restored within 60 days or less.