Dredging at Brazil's Paranaguá port starts

Brazil's ports minister, Pedro Brito, has announced authorization of dredging works to deepen the Galheta channel at Paraná state's Paranaguá port, according to government news agency Radiobrás.

The dredging will increase the depth of the Galheta channel from 11.3 to 15 m. Mr Brito said BRL 60 million (US$ 37.3 million) from the federal government's growth acceleration plan (PAC) will be spent on the project.

The report stated that bidding for the project would begin as soon as possible. Mr Brito was quoted as saying, "We will now work to expedite the release of the environmental license so that works can begin immediately."

The current depth of 11.3 m does not allow for the larger container ships now popular with shipping companies, added Mr Brito.