Investment in the port of Santos totals US$ 6 billion
Valor Econômico
The investment plan of the port of Santos brings US$ 6 billion between public and private investments until 2024, when the complex is expected to move 230 million tons, almost 140% more than in 2010 - the year in which the recovery of foreign trade exposed serious operational limitations. The amount is divided among road access, dredging and engineering, increasing of mooring berths capacity, new terminals and the PAC Copa. "I was amazed with this large and important structure, in which the federal government will continue to invest", said Minister of Ports, Leonidas Cristino, who estimates for this year 101 million tons flowed through Santos.
In order to do so, the main work into action is the dredging of depth from 13 to 15 meters, contracted for US$ 112 million. From the four segments that are being dredged, three are ready. The last - number four - is more complicated because has points of contamination and requires a different type of removal of sediment from the bed of the estuary, taking a little longer. The expectation is that by September the port is with the new depth approved. With 15 meters, the port of Santos will be able to receive vessels with draft up to 14.5 meters, estimated SEP. "The PAC we will have an additional of R$ 193 million (US$ 113.5 million) to continue the expansion of dredging to 16 meters in the internal channel and 17 in the external" said the minister.
Also, the demolishing of two stones must be completed by then. In July begins the work of a boat - coming from the Panama Canal - which, with a new technology, will drill and implode from within the stones of Teffé and Itapema deposited at the channel bottom. "With this, we will reduce from 18 to three months the time of service", said Cristino.
Cristino was introduced to the project of alignment and upgrading of the pier of the passenger terminal of Santos, which will double the service capacity of cruise and cargo ships berth in line and will be essential for the World Cup. The budget of SEP have R$ 120 million (US$ 70.6 million) to expand the pier to 1,320 meters long and will allow that six vessels mooring alongside one another, serving as a floating hotel with 15,800 beds. The work also provides increased depth of the berths from the current 7 to 9 meters to 14 meters and expansion of 40% of passenger handling capacity at the port terminal.