Vports Studies Deeper Draft at Port of Vitória

Vports, the concessionaire responsible for the Vitória Port Complex, is conducting studies to deepen the access channel in Vitória Bay and, consequently, increase the port’s operating draft. The work is moving forward alongside studies aimed at increasing the maximum beam of vessels allowed to enter the channel. The Port of Vitória draft expansion is part of a broader investment plan designed to enable terminals in Vitória and Vila Velha to handle larger vessels with higher load factors.

“We are carrying out technical studies to determine what draft we need in order to receive vessels with a 38-meter beam at a good level of utilization. There is no point in deepening too much, since we have a natural limitation on increasing vessel beam, but we also cannot deepen too little. We want to deliver an investment that is efficient from both a technical and financial standpoint,” Vports CEO Pedro Benevides said at an event organized by Lide Espírito Santo.

Port of Vitória Draft Expansion Targets at Least 13 Meters

Studies on increasing the maximum vessel beam have been underway for some time. Work on the draft is more recent and is being carried out with support from Log-In, the company responsible for operating the Vila Velha Port Terminal, the only terminal handling containers in Espírito Santo. The Port of Vitória currently has a draft of 12.5 meters, and the goal is to reach at least 13 meters. The maximum vessel beam would increase from 32 meters to 38 meters.

Executives are working on a financial structure to make the capacity expansion viable. The budget has not yet been finalized but is expected to range from R$150 million to R$180 million. Negotiations are underway for the annual concession payment that Vports makes to the federal government — between R$50 million and R$60 million — to be directed toward investments to increase the port’s capacity.

Source: A Gazeta

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