🔗 Original source of the news: Porto do Açu – Study on dredging is recognized with the PIANC International seal
A research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) project carried out at Porto do Açu has been internationally recognized by PIANC (Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses) with the Supporter of Working with Nature seal. The certification highlights initiatives that promote sustainable practices in coastal and port engineering, aligned with the principles of integration with nature and the circular economy.
The project was developed with a focus on the efficient management of navigation channels and the reuse of dredged fluid mud. Through an in-depth study of the characteristics of the sediment removed from the channel, the team involved sought sustainable ways to utilize this material, which is traditionally discarded as waste. The results demonstrate the potential use of the mud for the production of blocks and mortar, with applications in the construction industry, including the possibility of use within the port’s own internal areas.
The approach adopted in the study combined hydrosedimentological modeling, environmental data analysis, and practical experiments to assess the possibilities for sediment reuse. The methodology, although developed based on the specific conditions of Porto do Açu, can be replicated in other ports, provided that adaptations are made to local sediment characteristics.
Beyond the technical recognition, the project also highlights the importance of integration between academia, the private sector, and research funding agencies. Institutions such as Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF) participated in the initiative, along with the companies Argonautica Engenharia & Pesquisas, MICROARS Engenharia, and Porto do Açu Operações. Funding was made possible by CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) through the Empresa Inovadora call, which provided scholarships for researchers and students.
The certification granted by PIANC reinforces the relevance of Brazil’s role in the international landscape of innovation and port sustainability. Being aligned with global best practices and participating in knowledge networks such as PIANC strengthens the strategic role of ports in the transition toward more sustainable and resilient operational models.
According to those responsible for the project, the recognition is also a way to give visibility to the technical and scientific work being carried out in Brazil and contributes to keeping the country at the forefront of sustainable solutions in the port infrastructure sector.
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