PPI (Investment Partnership Program) Council recommends qualification of studies for a immersed tunnel between the municipalities of Santos and Guarujá, in the state of Sao Paulo, some 80 km south west of the city of Sao Paolo. The connection between the cities is currently operated by ferry boats, but a fixed link is aimed to accommodate the increasing transport volume and the foreseen extension of the harbour as a consequence of the economic growth. The current travel distance on the road can be reduced from 45 km to less than 1 km. The immersed tunnel will be located within the polygonal area of ​​the Port of Santos and will be the first of its kind in Brazil.  

It will consist of an enclosed section of about 760 m and approaches, all-in all some 1,800 m in length. The harbor channel depth is up to 21 m to allow for deeper draft vessels to enter the port area. The tunnel will consist of 2x3 lanes for road traffic and a separate tube for pedestrians and cyclists.  

The project foresees investments of EUR 670,42 million (BRL4 billion), as part of the privatization process of the Port of Santos.   

The National Water Transport Agency (ANTAQ) approved the opening of a public consultation and hearing between 31/01/2022 and 16/03/2022, to receive contributions aimed at improving the documents related to the privatization of the Port of Santos (SP). The concession period will be 35 years, renewable for up to 5 years. According to the studies, the investments planned to adapt the infrastructure of the organized port total EUR 2.68 bn (BRL16 bn), which should be carried out throughout the contractual term. The future concessionaire will make a financial contribution of approximately EUR502.33 million (BRL3 billion) for the construction of the tunnel. The construction of the tunnel is not part of the contractual obligation of the port concessionaire, and the project must be structured separately.   

Click here for the public hearing Notice n. 01/2022-ANTAQ. The studies are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, with an estimated bidding auction in the fourth quarter of 2022. Visit  

https://www.gov.br/ and https://portal.ppi.gov.br. 05/22.