SPA plans to expand channel depth

The Santos Port Authority (SPA) plans to increase the depth of the shipping channel at the Port of Santos within the next five years. The idea is that the works will allow the port to soon receive ships with drafts of up to 14.5 meters without the need to wait for high tide.

The plan was announced by Bruno Stupello, the director of business development and regulation at the state-owned company. According to him, the idea is to expand from the current depth of 15 meters to 16 meters within the next 3-5 years.

“In our view, it could be done in two stages, the second being arriving at a depth of 17 meters. But for the short term, we would increase the depth to 16 meters, gaining one meter of draft. And then we would be able to enter at 14.5 meters without depending on the tide. This gives us a very large productivity gain, especially for container terminals”, said the executive.

Today, the Port of Santos is authorized to receive ships of up to 366 meters in length. However, they have a draft restriction and, in addition to not being able to use their full cargo-carrying capacity, they need to wait for high tide windows to enter or leave the Santos wharf. The authorization of the Brazilian Navy provides for these vessels to travel with a maximum of 14.2 meters of draft.

According to Stupello, the arrival of ships of this size, which has not happened yet, depends on changes in the existing maritime lines. “With the expansion of the East-West routes, the 366-meter ships should start to ‘remain’ on this route, bound for the poles, South America, for example.”

The executive also points out that with the plans to deepen the channel, the terminals should carry out simulations for receiving freighters with a drafts of 14.5 meters. “We have already had consultations for the 350, which would be 10 meters above what we have been receiving today. And the 366 one should follow”.

Source: The Tribune

To read the full original article, visit the link:

https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/autoridade-portuaria-planeja-ampliar-profundidade-do-canal-do-porto-de-santos

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