Port of Itajaí resumes dredging operations with return of Utrecht vessel

The hopper suction dredger Utrecht has returned to the Port of Itajaí to resume maintenance of the access channel. The vessel, operated by Van Oord, had temporarily suspended operations due to hydrological conditions caused by heavy rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon.

High water volumes in the Rio Itajaí-Açu basin had increased the transport of suspended sediments toward the access channel, reducing dredging effectiveness. Following an improvement in hydrological conditions and a reduction in river flow, the Utrecht arrived at 11:50 a.m. on Sunday to continue suction and sediment removal.

The dredging campaign is expected to continue until the planned depths for the access channel are fully restored, provided that weather and hydrological conditions remain favorable. The duration of the work will depend on river flow behavior, climate, and the volume and nature of the sediments identified during bathymetric surveys.