Port of Suape Completes External Channel Dredging
The Port of Suape has recently completed a significant upgrade by deepening its external channel to 20 meters. This enhancement is designed to improve operational capabilities and efficiency at one of Brazil’s busiest ports. This development initiates a new phase which includes updating the marking system of the channel and obtaining approval for the new depth from the Brazilian Navy. In 2023, Suape was ranked as the sixth-largest public berth in terms of cargo movement, handling a substantial 23,982,451 tons.
Strategic Improvements to Accommodate Larger Vessels
This deepening project, expected to conclude within the next three months, will enable Suape to accommodate larger vessels, including Suezmax oil tankers, at their full capacity. The dredging operation, which lasted four months and utilized state-of-the-art equipment, solidifies Suape’s position as a premier maritime hub in the nation.
CEO Remarks on Operational Efficiency
Marcio Guiot, CEO of Suape, emphasized the critical nature of the dredging project. “The external channel dredging is vital for ensuring the required infrastructure and operational efficiency. In the short term, it will particularly enhance operations at the liquid bulk terminals, notably benefiting the Abreu e Lima Refinery,” he stated. Guiot also mentioned that this upgrade is in line with the refinery’s expansion plans, which aim to double its refining capacity and thereby attract more business to the port.
Boosting Cargo Movement Across Various Commodities
The dredging is set to increase the port’s capacity to handle a variety of cargoes, including containers, vehicles, general cargo, and both mineral and vegetable bulk commodities. The ongoing dredging of the internal channel, which is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2025, will further enable vessels to dock at internal berths at maximum capacity, thus boosting competitiveness and providing benefits to public pier operators.
Financial and Logistical Details of the Dredging Initiative
The supplementary dredging initiative, which commenced on December 1, 2023, involved an investment of R$140 million. The project entailed the meticulous removal of 1,700,000 cubic meters of sediment, adhering to a strictly scheduled and licensed framework. Renata Loyo, head of Suape’s Infrastructure Directorate, expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the project, underscoring its significance for the port complex and its impact on the wider regional economy.