About the works

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About the works

About the works

What licenses have already been issued for this project?

Porto Central has already obtained the main environmental licenses issued by Ibama, including Preliminary License nº 498/2014, which attests to the environmental viability of the entire project (Masterplan), and Installation License nº 1436/2023, which authorizes the installation of Phase 1, replacing Installation License nº 1203/2018, as well as other licenses and authorizations from other competent bodies that are necessary for the construction and operation of port infrastructure in Brazil.

Who at Ibama is monitoring the Porto Central project?

The Environmental Licensing Coordination of Ports and Maritime Structures (Comar), of the Licensing Board (DiIic), and the General Coordination of Environmental Emergencies (Cgema), of the Environmental Protection Board (DIPRO).

 

How will Porto Central be built?

Porto Central has a global project, guided by a Master Plan (Port MasterPlan). It is a strategic plan that establishes the guidelines and objectives of what the port will be like after all its phases and works are completed. It is a document that serves as a master guide to guide the growth and expansion of the port, in an efficient, safe and sustainable way.

This is because Porto Central will be implemented in phases, according to market demands and customer needs. It won’t all be done at once. To reduce local pressure, scale the impacts of the construction and compensations, including training of labor and suppliers, better manage costs and have operations started in stages, the construction works were divided into 5 phases.

Phase 1, with construction initiated on December 4, 2024,  includes the start of production at the quarry, as well as the transport of rocks and the manufacture of concrete elements. There will be vegetation suppression, land works, dredging, hybrid breakwater, jetty (pier), and berths.

The other phases take place gradually, being licensed for installation one by one and according to the typologies defined in the Preliminary License (LP 498/14), and always discussed with neighboring communities before a decision is made by the licensing body. The last phase, Phase 5, is expected to come into operation in 2040.

What is the expected timeline for Phase 1?

It is estimated that the port construction works and other procedures to start Phase 1 operations will last 3 (three) years. The works officially began on December 4, 2024.

How long will Porto Central take to be built?

The estimated duration of the works and start of operation of Phase 1 is 3 years. It is important to highlight that the complete development of the port complex, including future expansions, can occur over several years, depending on market needs and available resources.

 

What are they for and where will the rocks (stones) for the construction come from?

The rocks will be predominantly used in the construction of the south breakwater, in Phase 1. This structure will be built to protect the port and moored vessels from waves and currents, in addition to acting in the dissipation of wave energy.

 

The rocks to be used in the construction of the south breakwater will be extracted at the Núbia quarry, 27 km from the project, in the municipality of Presidente Kennedy. It is worth highlighting that the quarry is environmentally licensed by Iema (environmental agency of the State of Espírito Santo).

What happens if there is an accident during port’s works?

Porto Central has specific plans and programs to deal with emergencies and accidents, which includes specialized teams. In the event of an accident, these specialized teams will carry out the assistance actions provided for in these documents, including communication with society and the competent bodies.

Will expropriations be necessary to implement the project?

Part of the port area was expropriated by the State of Espírito Santo and made available to Porto Central through the issuance of debentures through Fundepar-ES. No new expropriations will be necessary.

 

Will the water become dark and will marine animals die during dredging?

According to environmental studies carried out during the licensing process, an increase in suspended sediment in the water during the dredging operation is expected, which may temporarily cause a decrease in light penetration and a change in color in the water. However, the marine environment has a high capacity to recover its natural conditions, and the amount of sediment in the water, expected during dredging, is temporary and should not cause the death of animals.

 

Why did it take so long to start the construction work?

Porto Central is a large, private, greenfield project, which means it will be built in a location that does not have any pre-existing infrastructure, developing from scratch. To start the work, it was necessary to go through many steps and processes, which resulted in a significant period from the beginning of port planning until its completion. We needed to carry out several studies, analyze whether the business is viable, adjust its configuration and strategy, when necessary, align with environmental and social rules, which ensure the sustainability of the project, close agreements for the development of the region, the State and Brazil, and engaged in dialogue with local communities that will be affected. A project of this size, which seeks to bring development that respects people and nature, needs to be planned very carefully to ensure that everything is done in the best way, thinking about the good of everyone currently involved and what is best for future generations.