Brazil’s Itajaí Port Moves To Remove 133-Year-Old Wreck To Expand Capacity For Larger Ships

Brazil’s Port of Itajaí has begun efforts to remove the remains of a merchant ship that sank more than 130 years ago and still lies in the port’s access channel.

The port administration has signed an agreement with the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali) and the Federal Port Authority to carry out technical studies for the removal of the wreck of Pallas, a ship that sank in 1893 and remains in the channel leading to the port complex.

According to historical records, Pallas was built in England in 1891 and joined the Brazilian fleet the same year. The vessel transported passengers and cargo between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires during its brief service.

Historians believe the ship was deliberately sunk by its captain in October 1893 during the Federalist Revolution to prevent it from being captured by rebel forces. Its remains are buried beneath sediment in the Itajaí River between buoys 9 and 11, near manoeuvring basin No. 2.

The wreck has remained underwater in the port access channel for more than a century and has become part of the region’s maritime history.

However, port authorities say it now stands in the way of planned dredging works and limits future expansion of the port’s operations.

The Port of Itajaí handled 1.2 million tonnes of cargo during the first quarter of this year and is seeking to increase capacity. Authorities plan to deepen the navigation channel from 14 metres to 16 metres to allow larger vessels to access the port.

Removing the remains of Pallas would also make it possible to dredge manoeuvring basin No. 2, which is expected to reach a diameter of 530 metres after the work is completed.

Port officials say the project will improve navigation safety, increase operational efficiency, reduce logistics costs and strengthen the competitiveness of the Itajaí port complex.

The cost of removing the wreck is estimated at $12.8 million.

Artur Antunes Pereira, superintendent of the Port of Itajaí, said the issue has been treated as a priority since the federal government resumed management of port operations.

He said the removal of the wreck would help improve the channel, increase navigation safety and create conditions for handling larger vessels. Pereira also described the agreement as an important step in preparing the port complex for future growth.

According to the port authority, the technical studies will be carried out with scientific support and in coordination with institutions responsible for preserving historical heritage to ensure the vessel’s historical significance is respected.

The wreck removal project is part of a modernisation programme at the Port of Itajaí valued at $158.8 million over the next four years.

The programme also includes dredging of the navigation channel, reorganisation of the Navegantes jetty and construction of a cruise ship terminal.

The studies will determine how the remains of Pallas can be removed, a step considered necessary before major dredging work can begin.

References: gloap, datamarnews