Port of Santos’ restored Naval Inspection Bridge to host new services, monitoring center

After over a decade of anticipation, the restoration work on the Naval Inspection Bridge (known as PIN in Portuguese) in Ponta da Praia, Santos, was completed and delivered on Monday morning (28). The reopening of PIN was attended by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Márcio França, the Mayor of Santos, Rogério Santos, the President of the Port Authority of Santos (APS), Anderson Pomini, and his board of directors, along with labor union representatives.

Previously under the custody of the Navy and then transferred to the Port Company, the PIN will now house the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) Control Center of the Port of Santos.

“Without the renovation, [PIN] wouldn’t have been capable of hosting the VTMIS. Instead, it had been used as a base for the Port Guard,” stated Pomini.

Minister Márcio França celebrated the occasion. “As of now, the control center is running operational. This is how we work, fulfilling goals and demonstrating results under the leadership of President Lula.” França argued that with the restored PIN, greater comfort will be provided to the port guards; serving as a reception point by the sea for visitors and authorities and, finally, accommodating the VTMIS.

According to the APS, the necessary steps to make it a reality are already underway. The VTMIS will oversee the implementation of the ship traffic management system along the quay. It will consist of four monitoring towers strategically positioned, offering a comprehensive view of the port. The monitoring system’s scanning range will cover the anchoring areas up to the Usiminas Terminal. Each tower will be equipped with a radar, an intelligent camera, and a transponder for gathering vessel data.

These and other devices will optimize the ships’ cargo capacity and allow the Port Authority of Santos to enhance safety and efficiency for operators and shipowners.

The VTMIS, outlined in the APS’s goals, will also contribute to environmental monitoring and support during emergency situations. Data from a meteorological station and a tide gauge will guide ships in estimating berth depths more accurately, assisting in the mooring process.

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