With an investment of R$60 million, dredging repositions the Port of Natal in the Northeast

O Port of Natal began one of the most important infrastructure works in recent years for logistics in Rio Grande do Norte. Last Friday (24), services began dredging of the access channel and evolution basinwith estimated investments in R$60 millionoriginating from New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).

The main objective of the work is readjust the access channel and increase the draft to 12 metersallowing the docking of larger vessels, a factor considered strategic for increasing the terminal’s competitiveness in the northeastern scenario. Furthermore, the measure reinforces the safety of navigation and port maneuvers.

According to the CEO of Companhia Docas do Rio Grande do Norte (Codern), Paulo Henrique Macedothe estimated time for completion is 120 dias. The execution will be divided into two steps:

• first phase: maintenance dredging 4 nautical milesequivalent to 7.2 kilometers of the channel;
• second phase: readjustment of evolution basinarea intended for the maneuvering of vessels.

The intervention had been awaited for years by the productive sector in Rio Grande do Norte. According to a recent survey, around 74% of the state’s production still flows through ports such as Suape (PE) and Pecém (CE)a scenario that the new dredging seeks to reverse by strengthening the capacity of the Natal terminal.

In addition to dredging, Codern informed that the investment package includes other relevant structural works, including:

• reinforcement of protection fenders of the central pillars of the Newton Navarro Bridge;
• improvements in pier defenses;
• recovery of warehouses and sheds;
• modernization of photovoltaic system from the port.

The infrastructure advancement occurs at a time of operational growth for the terminal. Recent data from Codern shows that the Port of Natal recorded an increase of 21.23% in cargo movement in 2025reinforcing the importance of the work to support the state’s logistical expansion.

In the port sector, the expectation is that dredging will not only increase the flow of traditional cargo, but also fruits for exportbut also open space for new businesses, such as mineral bulk, iron ore and live cargostrengthening the strategic role of the port in the Northeast economy.