TCP, the company that manages the Paranaguá Container Terminal in Brazil, increased its berth draft from 12.3 to 13 meters.
With the approval of Portos do Paraná (Paranaguá and Antonina Ports Administration), the Brazilian Navy and Pilotage, the new measure is expected to provide safer operating conditions for entering and exiting the terminal.
The benefits of this action, which affect the overall operation of the terminal, range from an increase in the number of containers handled per ship, to the expansion of stopovers and space for shipments, according to a statement.
With the completion of the dredging of the terminal’s berths and the approval of the bathymetry, the first stage to increase the draft of the TCP was completed in June, reaching 13 meters for the berths.
The next stages seek to increase the capacity in the main access channel.
TCP is ready for the completion of the derrocation works carried out by the Port Authority to allow the extension of the navigation draft to Paranaguá and Antonina.
According to Thomas Lima, commercial and institutional director of the Paranaguá Container Terminal, increasing the draft is vital for the port.
“Now we are working on a well-defined plan, together with the Port Authority of Paraná, Port Authority, and Pilotage, to move forward as soon as possible with the approvals for the deepening of the access channel, fundamental for the berthing of larger ships. The completion of the Palangana Stone breakwater is one of the determining factors for the next advances to take place,” said Lima.
It should be noted that from 2015 until now, the operational draft of the port of Paranaguá has been expanded by 2,000 TEU per vessel.
“The goal is to reach a depth at which we are able to receive the new generation of ships and thus further increase our handling capacity, consolidating us as a mandatory stop for important maritime routes for foreign trade,” pointed out Thomas.
