# Brazil Federal Government Evaluates Itajaí-Navegantes Dredging

The Federal Government of Brazil is actively assessing the need for additional dredging contracts beyond the existing maintenance agreement for the Itajaí-Navegantes port access channel due to unusually high sedimentation levels. A technical meeting held on September 24, 2026, focused on sediment data analysis to determine if further dredging is required to maintain navigability. Concurrently, the government is progressing with plans to concession the channel to private sector operators to enhance dredging predictability and operational efficiency.

- The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) are key federal entities involved in this evaluation and future procurement planning.
- Procurement professionals should note the potential for new dredging contract opportunities arising from this assessment, which may involve expanded scope or different contract structures.
- Contractors specializing in dredging and marine infrastructure should prepare for possible bidding opportunities linked to the concessioning process and additional maintenance needs.
- This development signals a strategic shift toward private sector involvement in port channel maintenance, which may affect future procurement approaches and contract management practices.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor)
- National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq)
- Federal Court of Accounts (TCU)
- Companhia das Docas do Estado da Bahia (Codeba)

### Key Quotes
> We will assess whether we will need any additional measures, beyond maintenance dredging, to ensure the channel remains operational. We may eventually contract some additional type of dredging
> — Alex Sandro de Ávila, National Ports Secretary

### Sources
- [Federal Government evaluates additional dredging contract for Itajaí-Navegantes](https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/en/federal-government-evaluates-additional-dredging-contract-for-itajai-navegantes-1.530689) - atribuna.com.br