Petrobras vessels unload oil at Port of Santos after downpour in Sao Paulo

The Port of Santos should watch the arrival of oil tankers destined for the Port of São Sebastião until Friday, March 3. Two Petrobras vessels have already docked in Santos, transporting 50,000 tonnes of crude oil. The measure was announced by the Minister of Ports and Airports on February 24 and confirmed on the 28th during a speech at the opening of Intermodal South America 2023.

The vessels were transferred while Petrobras is investigating possible damage to the Osbat pipeline due to a downpour that caused landslides on the Northern Coast of São Paulo, leaving 65 dead, 64 in São Sebastião and one in Ubatuba.

According to França, transferring oil tankers to Santos is the second initiative launched to support the North Coast. “Navy ships left the Port of Santos with tons of supplies for those who lost their homes. Because of our logistical strength, I decided to concentrate the Federal Government’s action in our largest port. We have already spent over R$ 60 million in resources to assist the Northern Coast,” declared the minister.

Also present at the Intermodal trade show, the acting CEO of Santos Port Authority (SPA), Marcus Mingoni, stated that the arrival of the oil tankers did not affect the port routine. The oil tankers docked at the Transpetro berth in Alemoa. “So far, these ships have not interfered with the sequencing we have in Santos. These two ships unloaded just over 50,000 tonnes of crude oil,” said Mingoni.

When contacted, Petrobras informed in a note that “the Osbat pipeline remains preventively inoperative until all actions necessary for the safe resumption of operations are completed. So far, no damage to the pipeline has been identified. As a logistical alternative, the oil destined for the Presidente Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) in Cubatão and the Capuava Refinery (Recap) will be shipped from Santos.”

In the same opening speech, França highlighted that Brazilian ports need more investment in infrastructure, mainly in the dredging resources.

“More investments are required to improve and standardize dredging services. We have no reservations about providing maintenance, signaling, and terminal services so that the private sector can assist us in preparing our ports to increase international trade. We will assist the increasingly modern Private Use Terminals (TUPs).”

Offshore ports

The minister also said that the Federal Government will encourage the expansion of offshore ports in the national territory, which, according to him, allows the development of logistical activities without conflicts with the cities that house the port complexes.

“The world is producing ships greater than 366 meters, which will soon account for 30% of the planet’s fleet. We cannot afford to lose this market. Offshore ports must also be designed and built as quickly as possible. As a result, maintaining the State presence in the Port Authority in all Brazilian ports is critical. In an increasingly competitive world, its strategic function ensures national sovereignty and the legitimate interests of the Nation.”

Waterway

França also commented that the development of waterways is in the Ministry’s plans. “President Lula asked me to pay extra attention to the enormous potential [of waterways] represented by 42 thousand kilometers of navigable rivers. The Brazilian waterway network needs support. We have a great capacity to expand the sector.”

According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Brazil has at least 20,000 kilometers of unused navigable rivers and lakes. “At the same time, we have to expand the waterway network and invest in maintaining the existing ones.”

The minister mentioned that the BR do Mar program could fund investments in waterways. “We have the option of utilizing resources from the BR do Mar provisional measure for this area, adding a contribution of BRL 500 million. Similarly, we will remain open to private partnerships, paving navigable paths for new investments.”

Source: A Tribuna

To read the original news report, please access: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/apos-temporal-no-litoral-norte-navios-da-petrobras-descarregam-petroleo-no-porto-de-santos

Sharing is caring!