Rio de Janeiro Port has begun handling New Panamax vessels following the completion of channel dredging and modernization works backed by R$163 million in investments, including R$98 million from the federal government’s Novo PAC program and R$65 million from PortosRio. The project increased minimum channel depth from 15.0 to 16.2 meters, enabling a 15.3 meter operational draft. The first New Panamax call was the MSC Katrina, a 366 meter container ship with capacity for 14,131 TEUs. The upgrade is expected to improve vessel access, reduce operational constraints, increase cargo flow efficiency and strengthen the port’s position on international shipping routes. Rio de Janeiro now joins a limited group of Brazilian ports capable of accommodating vessels up to 366 meters in length.
Source: Portal do Agronegócio