On 14 November 2019, the Port Freeport Commissioners approved a construction contract with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. for the expansion of Velasco Container Terminal. The expansion project included the construction of a multipurpose Berth 8, a 282.55-metre linear extension to the existing 243.84 metre-Berth 7 plus a 26-metre ro-ro platform.
On 12 May, McCarthy submitted its notice of substantial completion to Port Freeport marking the end of the three-year $146m project.
“Port Freeport is excited to commemorate the completion of the Velasco Container Terminal expansion project and announce the new berth is ready to receive vessels,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO.
Saathoff explained that the addition of this berth puts the port in position to receive the larger deeper-draught vessels in service and propel the growth of commerce for existing and future customers.
Berth 8 has a depth of 15.5m and will accommodate additional post-panamax gantry cranes capable of serving the larger container vessels transiting the expanded Panama Canal.
The 26-m ro-ro platform at the end of Berth 8 will allow opportunities for further growth in the ro-ro segment along with serving finished vehicles, high, heavy, and breakbulk operations.
“I’ve served as Port Commissioner for two terms, and during my tenure, the Port Commission has made decisions to dutifully grow the port through investments in infrastructure” said Port Freeport Chairman John Hoss.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
