Katoen Natie began with the works to reform the port of Montevideo and the dredging stage of the Arquímedes sandbank began where a second pier will later be built, as agreed with the national government.
The Belgian company began dredging accompanied by the internationally prestigious company, the Belgian company Jan De Nul, which has a history of carrying out several renowned projects such as an artificial island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), precisely in Dubai.
In the year 2022, Katoen Natie began to manage the environmental permits and prepare the design of the work that had the objective of expanding the Cuenca del Plata Terminal (TCP), known for its low competitiveness in the region and globally as well.
How are the works progressing?
In that sense, according to El País, they began by removing the loose material and mud with the intention of freeing the stones that were underneath to remove the area of dredging all the elements that prevent further conditioning of the terrain.
After this, in the middle of the month, the rocks will begin to be removed through the use of explosives and, once that stage is finished, the remaining stones will be broken through mechanical means with a specialized boat. Meanwhile, progress was also made in the purchase of cranes for STS containers and they took care of the loading machines Responsible for helping move containers and additional equipment.
On the other hand, the Arquímedes sand bank will begin to be filled with material and, starting in March of next year, with the construction of the second pier. “The idea is to finish the first part of the work, which involves the construction of a 365-meter dock in May 2025, with a container yard of seven hectares. The second stage will be ready a year later in 2026,” he reported. Kenny Pauwelsgeneral manager of Katoen Natie.
The keys to the project
The extension of the TCP has an estimated duration of the work is two and a half years and that, once completed at the beginning of 2026, the port of the capital will operate about 3 million containers, capacity similar to that of Buenos Aires, one of its main competitors.
The expansion will consist of 3 large sectors. The first has to do with an investment for a new structure of 22 additional hectares to the sea, with a second dock and container yard and operational building. This will allow them to operate up to four ships in unison, including the largest freighters in the world, which will facilitate a time optimization and that better service is provided.
The new dock will be called “West Dock”, it will be located on the western limit of the concession area and occupies 58.5 hectares. On the other hand, it will require dredging 17 meters deep and will have an extension of 730 meters
Secondly, the acquisition of technology with gantry cranes and rolling equipment was proposed. This coincides with one of the objectives in Montevideo is to achieve the establishment of a green port for 2030, with eco-efficient machines, 100% electric cranes, electrical connection for ships in port to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the carbon footprint. Finally, the renovation of the current infrastructure and its accesses will be carried out.
Source: Ambito
