The Port of Comodoro Rivadavia is located in the San Jorge Gulf (Patagonia, Argentine), a highly complex environmental setting where port operations coexist with marine wildlife of scientific relevance. Among these species, the Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) stands out as an oceanic whale rarely observed in port environments. The project’s motivation was to ensure the port’s operational continuity through the dredging of the deep‑sea berth while safeguarding cetaceans and maintaining the ecological integrity of the gulf.
The work involved removing 255,000 m³ of sediments and disposing them at an authorized offshore site 6.5 km from the coast. The project was designed under the Working with Nature principle, aiming to align infrastructure needs with natural processes and contributing to SDGs 11, 14 and 17. This approach enhanced environmental value, strengthened institutional cooperation, and provided an operational model applicable to other ports with sensitive marine fauna.
During execution, the Sei whale became the project’s central ecological element. Its presence was documented in real time by scientific observers from the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco, stationed aboard the dredger. Additional sightings included southern right whales, Commerson’s dolphins, dusky dolphins, and pelagic birds, confirming the biological richness of the area and reinforcing the need for strict environmental protocols and coordinated operational measures.
Cetacean protection was the main environmental priority. The Environmental Management Plan included continuous visual monitoring, strict speed control, contingency procedures, instrumental navigation tracking, hopper inspections and onboard environmental training.
The project concluded with no incidents or collisions, demonstrating that large‑scale port works can be carried out in a living ecosystem through a nature‑based approach that integrates science, operations and long‑term environmental stewardship. This outcome was made possible through strong strategic alliances between institutions, establishing a collaborative model that strengthens governance capacity and supports sustainable development in sensitive marine environments.