Porto de Paranaguá simulates maneuvers for port infrastructure expansion

The port community took part in ship maneuver simulations considering the expansion of the current public liquid bulk pier (PPGL), the construction of a new pier at the Liquid Terminal (PAR50), and the building of the new “F”-shaped pier structure for loading vegetable solid bulk at the Port of Paranaguá.

At the Numerical Towing Tank of the Universidade de São Paulo (TPN-USP), pilots, tugboat captains, and representatives from the Port Authority and Portos do Paraná analyzed, over the past week, digital scenarios involving berthing, unberthing, and vessel maneuvering under the future configurations to be built.

“The simulations focused on the expansion of the PPGL and the influence of the other structures under study. On the first day, we evaluated how the implementation of the ‘F’-shaped pier, planned for the west quay, would impact maneuvers at the PPGL. On the second day, we analyzed operations with the completed ‘F’-shaped pier and the ‘L’-shaped pier at PAR50, also considering the expansion of the turning basin,” explained Julia Bruch, Coordinator of Signaling, Buoyage, and Monitoring at Portos do Paraná.

According to her, the test scenarios were developed based on data collected in Paranaguá Bay, such as tides, currents, and wind gusts. From this information, the simulator performs calculations and projects different ship maneuvering conditions in real time.

“It is as if we had the pilot on board, giving instructions to the ship’s captain. The scenarios include light and fully loaded vessels, current drafts and projections of future increases, allowing us to identify operational risks and assess how to mitigate them,” she noted.

A maritime pilot is a professional with in-depth knowledge of the area the vessel will navigate, from the channel entrance to the berthing position at the quay. The pilot is responsible for guiding the captain on exact navigation points and ensuring that all maneuvers are carried out with maximum safety.

According to the coordinator, USP’s technical team will prepare a report consolidating the results obtained. “The researchers will analyze all data generated during the simulations, including the performance of pilots and tugboats, and present technical recommendations for each scenario, considering, for example, tide tables and current intensity,” Julia stated.

In addition to the coordinator, Portos do Paraná was represented by the Director of Port Operations, Gabriel Vieira; Maritime Engineering Manager João Jardim; Navy Captain Mauricio Tinoco Benvenuto; Lieutenant Commander Gilmar Ercival Brand; pilots Julio Nadolny and Bruno Aguiar; and representatives from tugboat companies.

Source: Portos do Paraná

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