Porto do Itaqui starts testing a new berth

Last week, the berthing of the vessel Arborella kickstarted the commissioning tests of mooring berth 99; Recently built by Suzano, the wharf includes berthing verification mechanisms, assisted operation, and unberthing.

“The 99 is the ninth mooring berth of Itaqui. Its construction is evidence of the trust private investors put in Maranhão state’s public port. The berth is critical to our expansion plan to meet market demands. Thanks to it, we hope to increase our handling rates by approximately 1.5 million tons of cargo per year,” affirmed Ted Lago, president of the Port of Itaqui.

Once completed, the berth followed all the required procedures with the appropriate consenting bodies, including the Federal Revenue Service, the Fire Department, the Brazilian Navy, and the State Secretariat for the Environment (Sema). The commissioning tests are provided for in the implementation license obtained by Suzano from Sema.

Several aspects of the berth operation were tested, including the feasibility of the maneuver; the vessel’s behavior; the times between the pilot boarding, the navigation to the port, the conclusion of the maneuver, and the efficiency of the fenders and mooring systems.

The communication with the vessel during maneuvers and mooring is also tested, as well as the viability and efficiency of the energy supply system, lighting, and information transmission mechanisms. Berth 99 was part of a bidding process for a general cargo terminal, preferably for cellulose handling, at the Port of Itaqui, which Suzano won.

The contract also includes a warehouse, which should be in operation in September. Based on this contract, Suzano will operate these structures for 25 years, renewable up to a maximum of 70 years. Suzano signed the agreement with the National Secretariat of Ports, the National Waterway Transportation Agency, and EMAP, “Empresa Maranhense de Administração Portuária.”

Testing continues with a second vessel, the Dunnii, currently docked at berth 99.

After EMAP completes the testing and licensing phase, the berth will be ready for operation, handling cellulose and other cargoes, respecting Suzano’s preferences.

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