SPAIN's Valencia Port Authority (APV) plans to deepen its existing quays to handle containerships of up to 20,000 TEU. The spoil recovered from the dredging works will be used as infill material for Phase I of the new northern container terminal.
The work on both projects, which will cost EUR5.2 million (US$6.11 million), is expected to be completed in mid-2018, reported Port Strategy.
Draft deepening work is currently underway at Levante Quay, where the existing 15.2 metres is being increased to 17 metres.
APV is investing a total of EUR18 million to enable all three of its container terminals to handle such ultra large containerships. The draft alongside is being deepened to a depth of 17-18 metres.
Once work is completed, the port will have 1,900 metres of berthing line capable of accommodating 20,000 TEU vessels at the Levante, Transversal de Costa and Principe Felipe quays. This will allow up to four of these vessels to be handled simultaneously in the port.
Forecasts for the end of the year are very positive, due in part to the progression of first-half traffic and to the launch of new services by MSC. The shipping line will provide five new sea lines connecting Barcelona with strategic destinations such as India, the United States, Canada and Brazil.