Navy Orders Closure of Access Channel at Ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, Leading to Shipping Disruptions in Cargo Transport at the Complexes

After the Determination to Close the Access Channel at the Ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá by the Navy, the Ships Are Stranded in the Complexes and Cargo Transport Is Halted, Causing Serious Losses to the Terminals

The Brazilian Navy recently ordered the closure of the access channel to the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes, and on this past Wednesday (05/18), two other ports in Santa Catarina underwent the same process: São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá. Now, the ships that were to transport cargo at the terminals are halted and awaiting new recommendations from the agency.

Strong Winds at the Ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá Cause Halt in Cargo Transport and Closure of the Access Channel Following Navy’s Determination

Located on the northern coast of the state of Santa Catarina, the ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá now have their cargo transport operations suspended indefinitely. This occurs because the Navy ordered the closure of the access channel to the complexes due to winds of 80 km per hour and waves up to 2.5 meters, which are hindering maneuvers on the road and exit at the Port Access Channel Bar.

Consequently, none of the ships awaiting cargo transport operations are currently leaving or entering the ports. Thus, they are waiting for the Navy’s release following the verification of wind normalization and safety for the resumption of activities in the access channel. The agency’s determination adheres to all necessary safety criteria to prevent any accidents during the crossing of ships through the access channel. 

However, although the entry and exit of ships in the complexes are suspended indefinitely, internal operations at the ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá continue as usual. Furthermore, the administration of the Port of Itapoá stated on the afternoon of this Wednesday that two ships are docked and operating the unloading of products on site. Thus, certain activities such as loading of vessels and unloading of products from ships that were already at the ports could continue as expected, following the Navy’s recommendations. 

Port Authority of Santa Catarina Issued a Note Regarding the Suspension of the Access Channel to the Ports and Impacts on Operations Are Expected to Be Significant

The Port Authority of Santa Catarina issued an official announcement regarding the closure of the access channel, stating: “Due to adverse weather conditions for conducting entry and exit maneuvers at the Access Channel Bar of the Port of São Francisco do Sul, the Port Authority of the city determined the closure of the access channel. The measure, signed by Frigate Captain Robson Mendes Alves, prohibits the entry and exit of ships to the ports of São Francisco do Sul (including Tesc) and Itapoá.”

Thus, the Navy’s recommendations were followed, as occurred at the ports of Itajaí and Navegantes earlier in the week. Moreover, the ports will incur significant losses if the access channel cannot be reopened as soon as possible, as a large part of cargo transport operations remains halted due to strong winds in the region. 

However, the administration of the Port of São Francisco do Sul and that of Port Itapoá highlighted that the impacts on the profitability of the complexes following the closure of the access channel are still uncertain and that both are awaiting normalization of operations throughout the week.