Port of Santos to receive new armored patrol boats for maritime security

The image shows the model of the new armored patrol boats that will be used for policing operations at the Port of Santos (Disclosure)

The Autoridade Portuária de Santos (APS) is awaiting the delivery of two armored patrol boats for the Port of Santos. The vessels, Aruanã 38-foot models manufactured by Modirum Gespi, were purchased for BRL 7.85 million, or BRL 3.93 million per unit. The procurement contract was signed on April 8.

As the boats are custom-built, the supplier has up to 300 days (approximately ten months) to complete delivery, with the deadline set for February of next year.

According to APS, the new patrol boats will be used exclusively for maritime law enforcement within the Port of Santos Poligonal Area (the port's officially designated boundary) and will be operated by the Grupo de Ações Estratégicas of the Guarda Portuária (GPort).

Last week, APS published a tender notice for the procurement of marine hull insurance for the two armored patrol boats under a lowest-price evaluation criterion. Bid opening and the start of the electronic bidding process are scheduled for August 14 at 10:00 a.m.

Weapons

The Port authority has also launched a procurement process to acquire new firearms for GPort. Ten 5.56×45 mm carbines will be purchased to expand the force's arsenal. The contract will remain in effect for 12 months. The contract value has not been disclosed, and the electronic bidding session is scheduled for next Monday at 10:00 a.m.

The total number of firearms currently in service was not disclosed by APS for "security reasons." However, the Port authority stated that "the current inventory is sufficient for the entire Port Guard workforce."

Security reinforcement

Guarda Portuária Superintendent Wagner Pinheiro stated that the expansion of the public areas within the Port of Santos has required enhanced security measures.

"Recently, the Port's poligonal area was expanded by 56%. These are areas designated for future development, but APS and the Guarda Portuária must be prepared for this expansion", he said.

Pinheiro emphasized that port tenants pay a port tariff that includes security services.

"Strengthening security is also a way of providing the best possible service to those who pay the tariff by investing in personnel training and equipment."

He also highlighted compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to manage security risks and protect port operations.

"Today, the Port holds the status of a Secure Port. All of these investments also contribute to maintaining this certification, which is extremely important for Brazilian foreign trade and for the country", the GPort Superintendent emphasized.