On 20 March, the Port of Figueira da Foz resumed dredging work on the bar and access channel to the port, taking advantage of a window of favourable sea conditions which, for the first time this year, will allow continuous operations for around five days.
From the start of the year until 27 February, around 160,000 cubic metres of sediment were dredged from the bar. A survey carried out on that date indicated a total volume of 210,000 cubic metres to be dredged, of which around 80,000 cubic metres correspond to the main channel.
In the first few days of March, a further 36,000 cubic metres were removed, in a process that has been hampered by the rough seas experienced in recent weeks; since 20 March, a further 62,000 cubic metres have been dredged.
With improved sea conditions and waves at the entrance to the bar below 2 metres, it was already possible yesterday to achieve a draught of 6.5 metres at the entrance and exit of the bar. Accessibility is expected to continue improving, with the possibility of continuous dredging, which will allow for more effective work on the main channel.
The works will be accompanied by daily hydrographic surveys, enabling operational draughts to be adjusted in real time, with the aim of restoring, as quickly as possible, the conditions necessary for businesses in the region to operate normally. The aim is therefore for the Port of Figueira da Foz to regain the momentum that it intends to maintain and strengthen, for the benefit of the economy of the country, the region and the municipality of Figueira da Foz.
