Port of Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul is submerged and losses could reach R$ 600 million

[[legacy_image_356926]] The Port of Porto Alegre, the second largest in Rio Grande do Sul, is submerged, and infrastructure losses could reach R\$ 600 million. The structures of the port complex are more than 2 meters below the waterline of the Guaíba River, which rose to 5.13 meters at 9:30 p.m. yesterday. Revenue losses could exceed R\$ 2.2 million in the months of May and June. The port has been closed since the 2nd day of heavy rains that hit the state.

"Our estimate is that the infrastructure losses at the port could reach R\$ 600 million, but we can only assess this when the water recedes, which we expect to happen by the end of this month. However, I believe the port will only resume operations after two months", said Cristiano Klinger, president of the Port Authority, Portos RS, in an interview with A Tribuna.

Assessment

Klinger said that a general survey of what happened will be necessary. "We will need to survey all structures, bathymetry, and whatever is necessary for dredging because a lot of sediment has descended. The Port of Porto Alegre is more than 2 meters underwater because the Guaíba level rose above 5 meters and our wharf's level is 3 meters. So, warehouses, scales, and all electrical parts are underwater. Most likely, we will have to replace everything, redo all of this."

The Port of Porto Alegre mainly handles fertilizers and barley, among other products like grains and project cargo. According to Klinger, the average monthly revenue of the port asset is R\$ 1.1 million. "We will have two months of revenue loss".

Pelotas

The Port of Pelotas, whose operation is also halted, is dedicated to the movement of wood logs, raw material used in pulp manufacturing. "We move approximately 1 million tons of wood logs per year, with a revenue of R\$ 1 million per month. At the moment, the dispatch of wood logs to the CMPC factory, which manufactures pulp, is suspended."

Yesterday morning, the board of directors of Portos RS have met to assess the situation of the three ports: Porto Alegre, Pelotas and Rio Grande, which is the main port and continues to operate normally.

"The board is meeting weekly to assess all the consequences for the ports, as well as to monitor all rescues. As soon as possible, the Port of Rio Grande is also providing assistance", said Jacqueline Wendpap, president of the board of directors of Portos RS.

She doesn't rule out future impacts on the Port of Rio Grande. "We don't have impacts yet, but we believe that the loss of production in the state of Rio Grande do Sul will impact port traffic".