Simulations indicate that the entry of New Panamax ships into the Port of Santana, and into two other forthcoming private terminals in Amapá, would be feasible. The simulation was carried out in the Polytechnic School (Poli) of USP with pilots and Maritime and Port authorities. New Panamax ships cross the Panama’s newest channel. They have seven holds and are 240 meters long and 40 meters width (beam). Currently, the Handysized vessels that berth at the Port are up to 203 meters in length and 32 meters in width (width), and have five holds. “For decades, we have operated with 55,000 tons of cargo on a ship. Now, we are reaching 80 thousand tons, almost 50% growth. This is efficiency, and includes security of navigation and the environmental protection of the Amazon”, said the president of the National Pilotage Council, Ricardo Falcão. This new generation of Panamax shortens the trip to China and favors agribusiness exports from the Brazilian Central-West region. Another Pilotage investment was the depth sounding of Ilha de Santana surroundings, which can become a second route for large bulk carriers via the Amazon River.
Source: Praticagem do Brasil