CDRJ to modernize the Gamboa Wharf in the Port of Rio de Janeiro

The bidding procedure has been initiated for the expansion and modernization of the Gamboa wharf (Cais da Gamboa), the oldest stretch of the Port of Rio de Janeiro, which opened in 1910. The works, estimated at R$ 195 million, will start in 2021, with completion scheduled for a year after hiring the winning company. The call notice is on the website of Companhia Docas do Rio de Janeiro (CDRJ), which released the information on December 15th.

The works, which will include a stretch of the Gamboa wharf in an extension of 600 meters between the bollards 100 and 124, will be inspected by the Engineering Superintendence of the Directorate of Port Management of the CDRJ. According to the superintendent of Engineering, Roberto Catalão, “the studies carried out confirm the technical, socioeconomic, financial and environmental feasibility of this intervention, which will not change the current conditions of the environment and will maintain the basic characteristics of the existing pier”.

Catalão explained that the structure of this stretch of the Gamboa wharf – a weighted pier that has a metallic foundation base with a double wall of granite stonework filled with cyclopean concrete – was designed and built with the techniques available at the time for a draft of approximately 9 meters. “This depth no longer serves most modern ships, which need at least 13.5 meters, but in order to increase this operational draft, we need to modernize the original foundations and structures of the pier, which would not support dredging”, he explained.

The Director of Port Management at CDRJ, Mário Povia, stressed that after the execution of the modernization works of the pier, CDRJ intends to carry out the dredging of the stretch: “For the development of new businesses and improvement of the attractiveness conditions of the port, It is imperative to increase the operational draft of this area. This will permit the wharf to receive larger ships and optimize an infrastructure that is fundamental for the Port of Rio de Janeiro. The port will then be able to attract new loads and new navigation lines, including supporting other achievements in the port cluster, such as the installation of the VTMIS system, the introduction of dynamic draft, and night navigation in the access channel. This will reduce operating costs due to a significant increase in efficiency ”.

Current layout Future layout

For the superintendent of Port Management in Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, Leandro Lima, with the execution of these works, the Port of Rio de Janeiro will make more efficient use of the retro area in internal transport logistics and in the security of operations, capturing a greater cargo flow to the Port of Rio de Janeiro. “This stretch of Gamboa wharf is great for handling various types of general cargo and bulk, such as wheat, pig iron, zinc concentrate, and cargo to support offshore activities, among others. With the modernization of the pier and the deepening of waterway access, this mix of cargo will be more varied and profitable, and may even double the demand”, emphasized Leandro.

The stages of the works will include the execution of piles to support the new pier crowning beam; injection of cement laitance or cement soil that will act as a retaining wall to prevent erosion below the quay wall; crowning beams, one on the current pier and the other at about 5 meters, supported by the new piles; and precast slabs with concrete cover, which will be supported on the crowning beams.

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