Rio de Janeiro Port has joined the restricted group of Brazilian ports capable of receiving New Panamax class vessels, one of the largest classes in global commercial shipping. The possibility was realized following the completion of dredging and modernization works on the port's access channel, which received investments of R$ 163 million.
This month, the first ship of this size to berth at Rio de Janeiro port was the container ship MSC Katrina, a vessel 366 meters long, 48.4 meters wide (beam) and with capacity to transport 14,131 TEUs (units equivalent to 20-foot containers). The ship, flying a Panamanian flag, came from Suape Port (PE) and was headed to Santos Port (SP).
Currently, few ports in Brazil have the operational capacity to receive ships up to 366 meters long. They are: Santos Port (SP), Salvador (BA), Itaguaí (RJ), Paranaguá (PR), Rio Grande (RS), Pecém (CE) and now Rio de Janeiro Port.
Changes
To become capable of receiving vessels of this size, Rio de Janeiro Port had to undergo dredging works on its access channel that were financed with R$ 98 million made available through the New PAC and R$ 65 million contributed by PortosRio.
Thanks to the works, the minimum depth of the access channel increased from 15 meters to 16.2 meters, allowing an operational draft of 15.3 meters and enabling the operation of New Panamax class ships.
The national secretary of ports, Alex Ávila, affirmed that the arrival of larger vessels represents a new moment for Rio de Janeiro Port. "This advance expands the terminal's competitiveness, strengthens its position on international routes and demonstrates the importance of investments in modernization of Brazilian port infrastructure," he highlighted.
The measure also increases the terminal's operational and logistical efficiency, optimizes navigability and safety conditions, enables the operation of larger vessels, reduces operational restrictions and lowers logistical costs. Furthermore, it increases the predictability of operations and strengthens Rio de Janeiro Port's competitiveness in foreign trade.
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