Uruguay signs dredging contract

The National Administration of Ports of Uruguay (ANP) has signed a USS6m contract with Chinese company Port of Shanghai Dredging Company (SDC)for the dredging of Montevideo Port.

The contract was signed with the objective of improving services in this port. Uruguayan authorities explained that one of the most important advantages of the contract was the freedom to dredge anywhere in the port which will make it easier to carry through the desired improvements.

The ANP intention is that Montevideo’s dredging problems will be resolved in the next three years.

ANP director Alberto Díaz said that the contract, will not only work for the improvement of the port but also for the international economic integration of Uruguay and Asia and that the final dredged depth of the access channel will be determined after meeting with shipping companies and exporters and anlaysing the data these institutions provide.

Meanwhile, Montevideo’s Montecon terminal has received seven new 45 ton capacity (6 high) reachstackers, two of which are for handling empties and a new Gottwald mobile harbour crane.

Extra capacity is also being added through the implementation of an off-dock facility that will increase Montecon’s capacity by 30% by the end of 2010. According to the company, the recent investments are an additional guarantee for clients wishing to expand throughput at the terminal, as well as providing a first class alternative to those facing future emergencies in regional ports with operational and congestion problems.
(Source:www.container-mag.com)