A technical study is underway to evaluate the capacity and competitiveness of the terminals of Paranaguá and Antonina. The project, which should end in May, evaluates ways to expand the access channel – a stretch that connects the open sea to the port pier. The operational draft (the distance between the water depth and the seabed) is expected to be expanded, allowing the terminals to receive larger ships and more cargo. The goal is the most daring in the history of the ports of Paraná. Currently, the ships operate at a depth of 12.5 meters to enter the Port of Paranaguá and 8.5 to enter the Port of Antonina. The goal is to reach 15.5 and 12.5 meters, respectively. “The operational draft limits the size of the vessels and also the cargo they can safely carry”, explains the president of Portos do Paraná, Luiz Fernando Garcia. This engineering study is the first step of the project, and aims at attracting larger and more modern vessels.
Source: Portos do Paraná (*Translated by Ia Niani)