Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. has won a contract for the construction of a new port terminal, TX2, at Superporto do Açu. The Açu Superport industrial complex in the north of Rio de Janeiro state is the largest port-industry enterprise in Latin America and is expected to become one of the largest port complexes in the world. TX2 will accommodate the largest shipyard of Latin America and will be constructed by OSX Construção Naval S.A.
The contract, worth approximately € 200 million, was awarded to Boskalis by LLX Açu Operações Portuárias S.A. and Construção Naval S.A., controlled respectively by LLX LogísticaS.A. and OSX Brasil S.A.. Both companies belong to the EBX group owned by Brazilian entrepreneur Eike Batista. Work on the project is expected to commence shortly and last for a total of two years.
Scope
The scope of the work includes the dredging of an access and inner channel, turning basin and harbor basin as well as land reclamation work. Boskalis will also construct the revetments at the entrance of the harbor. The total dredged volume will amount in excess of 43 million cubic meters, part of which will be used to reclaim land for the construction of the port facilities.
Deployed Equipment
Boskalis will deploy a jumbo cutter suction dredger, two large trailing suction hopper dredgers, a clamshell dredger and supporting marine equipment as well as dry excavation equipment.
Focus Region
Boskalis’ recent strategy update identified Brazil as one of the company’s focus regions. Underlying growth factors in Brazil include the strong increase in exports of agricultural products and iron ore and major oil and gas discoveries which are fueling strong development of the Brazilian oil and gas industry. Ports need to be expanded and constructed, additional oil and gas infrastructure is required and the demand for related services will continue to grow.
