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With Ships Unable to Dock at the Port Complex of Itajaí, the Maritime Sector Suffers from the Consequences of the Rain.
The Itajaí-Açu Port Complex, vital for maritime transport in the region, has faced a serious interruption for two weeks. Adverse weather conditions in Santa Catarina forced the closure of the access channel, resulting in significant losses for navigation, as well as preventing ships from reaching the port.
See How the Port Complex of Itajaí Is
Impact on Ship Traffic
Since the closure earlier this month, 37 ships have faced the impossibility of docking at the port complex of Itajaí and Navegantes.
The closure was an order from the Brazilian Navy, due to the high navigation risk caused by the intense rains, which resulted in dangerous currents.
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Awaiting Clearance to Dock
The ships are now forming a queue offshore, awaiting clearance to dock at the port complex.
In addition to the 37 ships unable to reach the port, four others remain anchored at sea.
The situation may worsen, as there are 12 ships sailing toward Itajaí, increasing the waiting list for docking.
With Ships Stopped, Financial Losses Are Considerable
The Union of Shipowners and Fishing Industries of Itajaí and Region estimates that each day of stoppage results in significant losses for a single ship, ranging between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars, equivalent to up to R$ 252,000.
The financial impact extends to the entire sector, accumulating million-dollar losses as the closure time continues.
The Future of the Maritime Sector and the Port Complex
With the river still on alert, remaining above 6 meters in Blumenau, and the situation still with no forecast for normalization, there is no estimated date for the ships lined up offshore and those still to arrive to finally maneuver and return to activity at the ports.
The maritime transport sector is waiting and hoping for more favorable weather conditions to resume operations, seeking to minimize the impacts accumulated during this prolonged interruption.
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