Porto Central, a port complex under construction in Presidente Kennedy (Espírito Santo, Brazil), is moving forward with Phase 1 works with the preparation, extraction, and formation of a strategic stockpile at the quarry located 26 kilometers from the port area, paving the way for the next phase of transporting the material to the port site. The extracted rocks will be used in the construction of the southern breakwater, a structure designed to protect the vessels that will operate at the port. The quarry is operating under License No. 90175018 issued by IEMA, and transportation is authorized by IBAMA Installation License No. 1436/2023.
Blasting tests are being carried out successfully. The rocks are being removed in accordance with technical standards and strict environmental and safety protocols. The first stage is stripping, which involves removing the superficial layer of soil. This material will be reused for grading activities in the port area.
Next comes the drilling and blasting stage, in which the rock is fragmented through precision drilling in selected areas. Once the rocks are extracted in sizes suitable for their intended use, they will be stockpiled at the quarry and later transported by truck to a designated area within the port construction site. There, they will be stored in an organized manner for future use in building the southern breakwater.
To minimize environmental and community impact, transportation will follow a predefined logistics plan that includes vehicle monitoring, continuous communication with traffic authorities, driver training, and socio-environmental education for workers and nearby communities.
At the end of the quarry’s productive life, the area will undergo a comprehensive environmental recovery plan, including vegetation restoration and soil stabilization, as required by IEMA and approved by the Municipality of Presidente Kennedy (ES).
In parallel with quarry operations, works are also progressing in the port area to prepare the construction site and the concrete element manufacturing facility. Environmental initiatives are also underway, including seedling nursery activities, compensatory planting of native species, and wildlife rescue operations. Furthermore, in preparation for the start of marine construction, the program for monitoring fishing landings and planning for the implementation of the Fishing Activity Compensation Plan (PCAP) continues. Upcoming stages of the project include dredging of the access channel and construction of the breakwater.
About Porto Central
The Porto Central industrial-port complex covers a total area of 2,000 hectares, with projected water depths of up to 25 meters and 54 planned multipurpose berths for handling liquid and dry bulk, fertilizers, minerals, grains, containers, general cargo, natural gas, offshore support, shipyards, and other cargo types. The port will be developed in phases, in response to market and customer demand.
Phase 1 includes the construction of a deep-water liquid bulk terminal, focused on ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
At the peak of construction for Phase 1, the project is expected to generate up to 1,295 direct jobs. Porto Central is committed to prioritizing local labor and suppliers.
Porto Central is one of the strategic projects under the Brazilian Federal Government’s Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). The port is expected to drive regional development in Espírito Santo, enhance the country’s logistics infrastructure, and attract new investments in the port and industrial sectors.