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Government approval paves way for commercial activities at new Santos’ box terminal
The Brasil Terminal Portuario (BTP) has been given the green light to commence commercial operations after the Brazilian Institute of Environmental and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) agreed to issue an operating license last week.
Effective as of July 19th, the operating license signals the official opening of the new port project and terminal – a 50/50 joint venture between APM Terminals and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL).
“With this license we can now begin our commercial activities and play an important role in connecting Brazil and Latin America to world markets”, said Brasil Terminal Portuario CEO, Henry Robinson.
This government approval comes shortly after the Brazilian Customs House approved the Bonded Area Permits, and April’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) certification.
The next stage of the terminal development will see the Port Authority carryout dredging works at both the turning basin and channel which are expected to be completed in the next few months.
“Our business plan is moving forward with these government approvals and once the dredging is completed we can expand our service to the region,” added Robinson.
BTP, one of Brazil’s highest profile and most important port projects serving Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most populated city and 7th largest city in the world, has generated thousands of direct jobs for the local economy.
Santos’ new terminal boasts a quay length of 1108 metres, eight ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, 26 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), 40 terminal trucks, and an automated 18 lane gate to handle trucks entering and exiting the facility.
